INTRODUCTORY LETTER
Dear Parent,
You are all very welcome to join with us in the work of
Our Lady and St. Joseph Primary School. As a community we
aim to share with you the responsibility for the education
of your child and look forward to working with you at all
times. We strive to bear witness to the Gospel Values as
proclaimed by Jesus Christ as we try and fulfill our school's
Mission Statement.
This is a very happy school and has very close links with
our parish and local community. We value all our pupils equally
and also value their right to be different and to excel in
their different ways. We respect all our pupils equally and
in return expect them to work hard, to maintain high standards
of behaviour and discipline at all times and to enjoy their
school life to the full. We encourage them to "Shine
with love, kindness and respect".
A successful school is built on mutual understanding and
trust and we hope that you find the following information
contained in these pages to be useful and informative. All
information is also posted on our website: olsjschool.net
My personal vision of a good school is one of a caring,
safe and a loving environment for all. It is one where the
school maintains high standards of education while at the
same time offering a broad and balanced curriculum. My own
daughter attended this school and I know the importance as
a parent of a good start to a child's education. The school
celebrates the arts, music and sports and offers these in
abundance to all our children. We are fully inclusive and
value children with special educational needs and those who
are recognised as having specific gifts and talents.
We really hope your child will be happy, well educated
and successful here at Our Lady & St. Joseph School.
Sean Flood (Headteacher)
and all teaching and non-teaching
staff.
Chair of Governors
Ms.Philippa Toomey
back to contents
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to foster the Gospel values of Jesus Christ
and provide a high standard of education with equality of
opportunity for all.
We aim to achieve this by:
- creating a safe and loving
environment for the whole school community
- enabling
everyone to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally
and physically
- valuing each member of our community
by recognising the gifts and needs of every individual
- encouraging
self discipline and treating everyone with respect and
courtesy at all times
- working in open and honest partnership
with families, Church and the wider community
Jesus says: " You are the light of the
world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No
one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it
on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the
house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight
of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give
the praise to your Father in heaven."
back to contents
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
There has been a school on this site since 1856 serving the community
of the Parish of Kingsland in Hackney. It was opened by Cardinal Wiseman
and the classes were sited under the old church. Originally known as
Kingsland R.C. Primary, it became known by its current name in the 1960's.
There were originally a church and a convent on site with a stables
and provisions for horses on the Tottenham Road.
The parish is one of the largest in London, taking in a socially and
ethnically diverse community from the Georgian houses of De Beauvoir
and Islington to the Holly Street Estate, Ridley Road Market and Sandringham
Road in the South. The area of Hackney we serve is greatly benefitting
at present from EEC Funded Urban Regeneration Schemes and Government
Funded Schemes such as Dalston City Challenge. The children are mainly
from the boroughs of Hackney and Islington.
Our school was extensively rebuilt in 1989 with the addition
of a new Nursery and Junior building opened by Cardinal Hume. The school
interior has been extensively refurbished in the last few years as part
of a continuing programme to ensure that your children have the nicest
environment and highest standard of educational facilities possible. The
school is also very proud of its environmental area and pond, and recently
its grounds have been extensively planted with several species of trees.
In the last two years we have celebrated Corpus Christi with a procession
from the Church to the school. In June 2004 Bishop Bernard Longley opened
our new prayer garden. The Church recently celebrated its 150th anniversary
and we in the school look forward to doing the same in two years time.
back to contents
RELIGIOUS & MORAL EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOL
We use as a working definition of Religious Education the Statement
of the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales 1988:
"Any definition of Religious Education must be informed
by and be part of, a vision of education which seeks to promote the
well-being and freedom of the whole human person, understood as created
in the image and likeness of God and finding fulfillment in God alone.
For this reason, Religious Education is not just one subject among
many, but the foundation of the entire educational process. The beliefs
and values it communicates should inspire and draw together every aspect
of the life of a school."
We aim to:
-
to introduce the children to the life of Jesus Christ and to
those who have responded to His life and teaching
-
to
provide the children with a faith by which to live
- to
help them learn more about their own Catholic tradition
and heritage
- to develop the children's use of those
skills which may help them to respond imaginatively to
religious ideas
- to develop and enable them to express their
own beliefs and values
- to encourage attitudes of openness
and sensitivity towards people whose religious beliefs
and customs may be different from their own
- with other
areas of the curriculum, to contribute towards the children's
spiritual, moral, cultural and social development
The school follows the "Here I Am" scheme of work approved
by the Diocese of Westminster for the teaching of RE. This starts in
the nursery and follows the child all the way up to Year 6.
back to contents
STAFF
Headteacher
Mr. Sean Flood
Deputy Head
Ms. Valerie O'Donovan
Nursery Teacher
Ms. Brooke Edwards
Reception Teacher
Mrs. Lucille Scales
Year 1
Ms. Alisha Leslie
Year 2
Mrs. Michelle Robertson
Ms. Caroline Francis
Year 3
Mr. Richard Rockett
Year 4
Ms. Antonia Shaw
Year 5
Ms. Jemma Zighed
Year 6
Ms. Margaret Coxhead
Ms. Rachel Alcindor
EMAS & Gifted and Talented coordinator
Ms. Marshall
Curriculum support and ICT coordinator
Ms. Rachel
Alcindor
Music
Mr. Adrian Taylor
GTP
Natalie O’ Donovan
Judyta Ruminska
Sports Coach
Mr. Ian Morgan
ICT Support
Ms. Michelle Cannon
Nursery Nurses
Ms. Joan Esbrand
Teaching Assistants
Ms. Theresa Garnett
Ms. Tracey Francois
Ms. Carmel Yeend
Mrs. Mary Martin
Ms Sarah Feeley
Admin Assistant
Ms. Theresa O'Hagan
Ms. Kathy Glass
Finance Assistant
(one day per month) Mr.
Charlie Lacey
Schoolkeeper
Mr. Daniel Duncalf
Cleaners
Mrs. Audrey Morris
Mrs. Margaret Kelly
Ms Vanessa Rizzo
Ms L. Omegebu
Meals Supervisor
Mrs. B Graydon
Mrs. Mary Martin
Ms Vanessa Rizzo
Mrs Margaret Kelly
Mrs. Kathy Glass
Mrs. Tracey Francois
Special Needs support
Emma Gadson
Toni O'Brien
Nathalie Meade
back to contents
SCHOOL TIMES
The school day begins at 9.00am and finishes at 3.30pm. All children
are required to be on time and to be collected promptly. Infant play
is from 12.15 until 1.30pm and the Junior play time is 12.30 until 1.30pm.
Regular late comers will be referred to our school attendance officer
for further action.
Nursery starts at 9.00am and finishes at 3.15pm.
We ask that all children below the age of 10 are brought to and collected
from school by an adult.
All absences must be notified to the school office on the First Day
of Absence and longer absences require a note. Children must attend school
during term time unless they are unwell.
Holidays in term time are strongly discouraged. All requests
for holidays must be put in writing to the Governing Body for their consideration
and permission may be refused.
back to contents
CORE CURRICULUM
The school acknowledges that a good curriculum must serve the needs
of each child regardless of sex, race or ability so that its pupils in
their preparation for the opportunities, responsibilities and experences
of adult life are honoured for their own personal worth. The aims of
the National Curriculum are more likely to be achieved where pupils are
equipped properly with the basic tools of learning. Therefore, the teaching
of the skills of numeracy, literacy and oracy in a secure learning enviroment
are given the highest priority by all staff.
In the last few years however
it has been recognised that some schools have narrowed
the curriculum for the sake of Sats and league tables. While these are
of some importance the overall experience of a child in school must encompass
the arts, music and sports and an awareness of the aesthetic aspects
of human creativity.
back to contents
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
The ability of your child to communicate is of prime importance, and
we aim to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Working
according to the requirements of the National Curriculum, teachers use
a variety of methods and resources to ensure the highest possible standards
of English. Parents most frequently want to know about Reading. We aim
to develop a love of books within your child and to this end we give
a great deal of care and attention to this specific area.
"In Our Lady & St. Joseph's our aim is to teach children
to read accurately and fluently, understand and respond to literature
and be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts".
The school follows the Literacy Hour in every class. This means
that children will have at least an hour of formal literacy teaching every
day. The school has done this for many years and we will also give children
time to develop their creative writing as well. Writing is a major focus
of the school at present for all ages.
back to contents
HOW DO WE TEACH READING?
There are a variety of core reading schemes available throughout the
school such as the Oxford Reading Tree and "Sunshine", published
by Heinneman. These were seen when chosen as being the most rounded scheme
available. They are multi-cultural, with stories closely linked with
modern life and society. Within each level there is a variety of non-fiction,
fiction and plays. Children begin using the schemes in the Nursery and
Reception and continue working through emergent, early fluency and fluency
levels right through to Key Stage 2.
We recognise that children must be exposed to as wide a variety of
reading materials as possible. To ensure this, the scheme is supplemented
by a variety of other schemes. This is clearly seen with the Key Stage
1 supply of books. We have invested very heavily in books for many years
now. All reading books are levelled across the school so parents can
track a child's progress quite easily. Children may progress at whatever
speed is best suited to them and they are never held back. Each level
is in a box with supplementary reading books stored behind them. Children
read as many of these books as deemed necessary by the class teacher.
In the Literacy Hour children read in a variety of styles and
formats including groups, whole class and individual. They also now extensively
use interactive whiteboards as wonderful visual learning aids
back to contents
HOME - SCHOOL - READING
"Parental support for children's reading is vital. Thus, links
between home and school should be developed as a support to classroom
work. Parents should be encouraged to read to and with their children
as often as possible and should be kept fully informed of progress made".
English in the National Curriculum, draft prospectus. May
1994
In Our Lady & St. Joseph we see the help parents offer in the education
of their children as an essential part of teaching reading.
We encourage parents and children to share the enjoyment of books at
home. It is vital that we communicate with parents our understanding
and expectations of reading. The organisation of home-school liaison
is agreed throughout the school. Each child in the school has a Yellow
home school reading record book. The format varies between Key Stage
1 and 2.
Each night children take home a reading book to be shared with
parents. At Key Stage 1 the title of this is recorded in the book by the
teacher / teaching assistant. At Key Stage 2 children are encouraged to
keep their own record of books read and comment on what they have read.
In addition to this, each class teacher keeps a "maintenance record" of
books taken home and read.
back to contents
MATHEMATICS
The aims of mathematics teaching at Our Lady & St. Joseph
Primary School are:
- to enable each child to develop, within his/her capabilities,
the mathematical skills and understanding required
for adult life
- to provide each child with the mathematical
understanding that is needed for the study of other
subjects
- to help each child develop an appreciation
and enjoyment of mathematics itself
Maths and the national curriculum
The school follows the National Numeracy Strategy which has been successfully
in place now for many years. It is a very thorough and carefully structured
programme of mathematics which enables all children to progress at an
appropriate level.
Children in our Nursery and Reception classes will explore at the appropriate
level all areas of number work contained in the Early Learning Goals.
A solid grounding in a wide range of mathematical skills and
a good understanding of basic number concepts are essential for the development
of children as confident and capable mathematicans. Our Core Schemes to
assist with the numeracy units of work are Cambridge Mathematics and Folens
which are highly effective in helping your child's mathematical progress.
We also have a great deal of recently acquired maths resources to supplement
this scheme and have developed more through using the Numeracy Strategy.
back to contents
SCIENCE
Science plays an ever-increasing role in people's lives and to this
end we aim to stimulate your child's natural curiosity and love of knowledge.
We spend a lot of time looking at investigative science and have bought
lots of equipment to help the children with this aspect.
The school follows the government QCA schemes of work
The school also has a variety of resources including the LCP,
Ginn & Nuffield Science Schemes. It also has a very detailed and thorough
programme of study in line with National Curriculum requirements. These
schemes of work ensure continuity and progression in your child's learning.
back to contents
SPORTS
The school has a very proud history of sporting achievement and the
head is personally commited to developing a wide range of healthy sporting
activities. both competitive and non-competitive. (Especially TENNIS!!!!)
All Junior age children go swimming on a half-termly basis and all
children should be able to swim at least 10 metres by the time they leave
the school. Children go in for extensive training for certificates and
medals.
The school have employed for many years an outside consultant, Mr.Ian
Morgan to further develop expertise. Ian also speaks regularly to parents
about fitness and exercise for their childern.
Football, athletics, touch rugby, gymnastics and above all tennis are
widely available. The school also has links with the MCC to develop cricket
and is involved in a partnership with Leyton Orient to develop football.
Sports start in the nursery and continue until the children leave. This
is a sports mad school. We also have great fun sports days in Summer.
We also have one after school dance club at present and we
have an outside field visit for year six in July. The opening of the new
reservoirs at Stoke Newington offer great possibilities for sailing in
the near future.
back to contents
FOUNDATION SUBJECTS
Supporting the Core Curriculum we offer the following subjects to ensure
your child has a broad and balanced education:
- Information Technology
- Design & Technology
- Humanities
- Music
- Art & Aesthetics
- Physical Education
back to contents
MUSIC
The school is especially proud of its music tuition and has at present
a Musical Director and also offers music across the nursery and infants.
Mr.Delrez covers all junior ages. Our choirs have always been described
as being of outstanding quality.
Our end of year plays rival a West End musical and have included: "Oliver,
Annie, The Sound of Music, Bugsy Malone, Gilbert and Sullivan and many
others in the last few years.
The aim of the Music Department at this school is to strive towards
the appreciation, enjoyment of, and participation in the art of music
in two directions, viz.
a) the PRACTICAL and
b) the AESTHETIC
Participation in the PRACTICAL includes the acquisition of
various musical skills in order to achieve betterment and enrichment, together
with greater self confidence in one's abilities. Children are expected
to develop an awareness of sound, of sound differentiation (e.g. high /
low, loud/ soft, rough/ smooth, fast/ slow, etc.) and therefore to recognise
and harness practical aspects of pitch and rhythm, as two of the most basic
ingredients of music. It is expected that activities would lead to further
vocal ability and tonal control and group activities using instruments.
Participation in the AESTHETIC involves becoming aware, through
music, of an essential "permanence" of aesthetic quality
in music, and to become aware of the human need to strive upwards towards
a spiritual goal.
back to contents
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information technology has always been a major area of innovation and
development development for the school. All classes from
the nursery upwards now have an intearctive whiteboard in
place. In the past we had the second ever whiteboard installed
in a primary school and the first school in London to use wireless technology
with laptops. We now have two suites of computers. One is a PC based
suite with 15 Dells and we also retain our love of Apples with a smaller
suite in the juniors. All machines are networked and connected to the
Internet via a high speed line currently being upgraded. The school developed
its own website and became the first Catholic school in the
Diocese to do so and also the first in Hackney. We have had a new web
designer for over a year now and soon we hope that all our documentation
will be available on-line. One of the principles underpinning
our websites is that it should be representative of the children of our
school and contain lots of their work. Our website is: www.olsj.school.net
Our last Ofsted report said that ICT was a major strength of
the school and that standards were very high.
back to contents
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS PROVISION
The objectives of Our Lady & St.Joseph R.C. Primary School are:
a) To create an atmosphere within which the children can develop a
sense of their own value and respect for others arising from Catholic
Christian principles and beliefs.
b) All children should have equal opportunity to achieve their full
potential.
c) All children should have equal access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
We recognise the wide range of ability of pupils in our school and
it is our intention that this policy will ensure that appropriate provision
is made for all children in line with the Code of Practice.
As a Catholic community we recognise that the Gospel invites us to
recognise God in each individual, challenging us to find ways to welcome
all. We aim to become more aware of each other and respond to those Special
Needs whether they be spiritual, physical, mental, educational or social.
The concept of Special Educational Need therefore includes general
and specific learning difficulties, behavioural and emotional difficulties,
physical handicap, sensory handicap and medical disorders. It is also
important to consider the learning needs of pupils with high ability
described variously as Gifted and Talented. The Warnock report estimated
that approximately 20% of children would experience Special Educational
Needs at some time in their school life. There is no clear dividing line
between those pupils who have Special Educational Needs and those who
do not. We all may experience learning difficulties at some point in
our livesWhere children have Special Needs, for whatever reason, it is
the responsibility of the school community to ensure that these needs
are met.
The schoool's SEN coordinator is this year is Ms.Val O'Donovan ( Deputy
Head).
As co-ordinator, she plans the educational provision of the children
in conjunction with the class teachers. An Individual Education Plan
is drawn up for each child on the SEN register. An overall analysis of
needs is conducted and then specific learning programmes are drawn up
either to be done by the class teacher or by the SENCO.
All children are considered equally for admission provided they meet
the governors admission criteria. Specific learning problems or disabilities
would not impact on a child's chances of admission to the school and
is completely against the whole ethos of the school community. We are
a fully inclusive school. We know that many children with SEN have unique
talents and values and a way of bringing joy and goodness into the spiritual
life of the community, thus enabling all of us to better live the love
of Christ and experience its effect.
The school building itself is very well designed to meet the requirements
of SEN children with no ramps or stairs to climb to gain access. We have
a purpose built toilet with all facilities for SEN pupils in the new
Junior building. The school has complete access all over for wheelchair
users and the physically disabled.
For further details please see the schools Special Educational
Needs Policy.
back to contents
HOMEWORK
At Our Lady and St.Joseph school, in accordance with the aims of the
Mission Statement homework is seen as a vital part of the learning process.
The aims of a well planned homework curriculum are:
- to foster home-school
co-operation in children’s learning
- to develop a love of reading
- to consolidate and extend the work
of the class teacher
- to help the children acquire basic
skills of literacy and numeracy
- to encourage independent
autonomous learning in children
- to promote a positive
attitude to learning and acquiring knowledge
The school recognises that work done at home on a regular basis can
significantly enhance the progress of our pupils. Homework will therefore
be given each week to all classes. The amount and type of work which
is to be set will vary according to the age, aptitude and stage of development
of each pupil.
It is not intended that teachers should set excessive amounts of homework
that could become a burden for pupils or their parents. It is expected
however that the work set should be completed and, in the case of written
tasks, returned to school at the time requested by the class teacher.
Reading will be given a high priority throughout the school and is
one of the best ways parents can help children in their school life.
It is also one of the most enjoyable activities parents can do with their
children. All pupils in Nursery and Key Stage 1 will take home reading
books each night, using the special folders provided, and reading tasks
will be set regularly for all pupils. The books will be progressively
graded according to ability.
Spelling lists will be structured and will be largely phonic based
in the early stages progressing to more complex structures in the juniors.
Homework to promote the Numeracy Hour will take place in the infants
and progress according to ability and needs of pupils through the school.
At Key Stage 2 there will be at least one substantial piece of work
set each week for completion at home in addition to tables, spellings
and other memory tasks.
The work set may be:
- revision of work done in class
- extension of work done in class
- preparation or research for a
forthcoming project.
Parental involvement in setting aside time and space for written work
or reading to be done, assisting in the memorising and testing of multiplication
tables or spelling lists, discussing work done at school so as to reinforce
its understanding and give opportunities to apply skills and knowledge
gained, or regularly listening to their children read is strongly encouraged.
Such support is especially valuable in the case of pupils with special
educational needs who have individual programmes of work.
The school’s policy on homework will be made clear to all parents
at the time that their child is admitted to the school. Children have only
one school career, and for this to be the best that can be achieved, the
Home-School partnership must be seen as a real and lively relationship
promoting the highest expectations between school, parents and pupils.
Homework is a divisive issue in every school. Some parents want hours every
night others never help their children. Homework is offered but it is largely
a voluntary optional activity. Equally it is unfair to expect feedback
on every individual piece of work with 30 children in a class. Some homework
is for revision or consolidation purposes other times it is to get parents
and children to be together. Teachers have a workload agreement in place
now and we respect this. Detailed feedback with older children in particular
may often be given in class.
back to contents
STATUTORY TESTING & ASSESSMENT
Children are first formally assessed on arrival in the Reception class
aged around five. They are tested in what is known now as the Foundation
Stage Profile. This tests everything from language and number to awareness
of the world.
In Year 1 all children are tested in May using the London Group Reading
Test. The teacher also assesses the children on National Curriculum subject
levels.
All children are tested nationally at seven and eleven in our school
in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. The results have
always been good and above national and local averages in both formal
testing and teacher assessment scores.
In Year 3 children are assessed in May using Sats tests and given teacher
levels for all subjects including RE.
In Years 4, 5 and 6 children are given three formal assessments in
a year. These measure cognitive ability, future predictors of attainment
and progress. Tests are known as Cats, PIPs and Sats.
Year 6 children are formally assessed in May in English, Maths and
Science. These form the basis of league tables published nationally.
Parental consultations take place three times a year and all parents
are required to attend to discuss their child's progress. In the Summer
Term parents receive a written report on their child's progress. We also
keep work samples and portfolios of your child's work.
back to contents
DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
Inspired by the teaching of Jesus Christ we have always tried to meet
the needs of every child within our school. We feel a special responsibility
for those children with Special Educational Needs and will always try
to respond in the most appropriate way. Essential to this task is a proper
respect for the gifts and needs of each individual and a flexibility
of approach. We recognise that making arrangements to meet the needs
of individual children with marked abilities is also important.
back to contents
SEX EDUCATION
Sex education is taught as part of the school's Personal, Social and
Health Education policy.
All aspects of sex education conform to the teaching of the Catholic
church. Specific sex education is not taught until years 5 and 6. Parents
are informed and may withdraw their child if they wish. The PSHCE programme
is the Nelson Scheme and the supplementary material is from the BBC.
For further information please see schools Sex Education Policy
back to contents
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME - SCHOOL - PARISH
The staff welcome and encourage the involvement of parents in the Religious
Education of their children and the prayer life of the school. Parents
are kept informed weekly of all services and events through a weekly
Newsletter and are always invited to school masses and liturgies in which
they eagerly participate. Links between home , school and parish are
very strong and living links.
back to contents
CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS & COMPLIMENTS
If a problem arises please make arrangements to see your
child's class teacher to discuss your concerns. If further
discussion is required an appointment with the Headteacher
may be made. Most issues can be dealt with promptly and efficiently
at this level. However, if you are still not satisfied then
please obtain a copy of the complaints procedure from the
office.
Please let us know when you are pleased about something
too!
For further information please see schools Complaints
Procedure
back to contents
THE SCHOOL FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
There is a very active School Friends Association. They
meet regularly and are a great benefit to the school. All
parents are encouraged to join. Recently they have organised
Summer and Christmas Fayres, discos, a quiz evening, Fireworks
Nights and cake sales. Money raised has been re-invested
in the school for example on stage lighting and disco equipment.
back to contents
CHARGES & REMISSIONS
The school makes no charges for activities in school time
but parents may be asked to make Voluntray contributions
to outings and visits. If enough people do not pay then they
may be cancelled. the school heavily subsidises the School
Journey every year and also subsidises most outings. We also
heavily subsidise swimming. Parents are asked to contribute
to the Governors School Fund which helps pay for repairs
and building work and to the costs incurred by the governors.
The current cost is £25 per year if paid at once or £10
per term if paid off over three terms.
Last year all but
5 families made some contribution to the school. If you
feel you cannot pay please let the head know in strict confidence.
back to contents
BEHAVIOUR AT THE SCHOOL
Guiding principles
Good behaviour and discipline are essential to the successful
teaching, learning and development of pupils in our school.
In our Mission Statement we assert that:
“Our Mission is to foster the Gospel values
of Jesus Christ and provide a high standard of education
with equality of opportunity for all."
In order to achieve the aims outlined in our Mission Statement
and to create a safe and loving environment in our school
we have drawn up the following policy.
We recognise that our school and parish community can play
a vital part in promoting the spiritual, cultural, intellectual
and physical development of our children. As a school, we
value each member of our community by recognising the gifts
and needs of every individual. We encourage self-discipline
and aim to treat everyone with respect and courtesy at all
times. We can only succeed in our aims by working in open
and honest partnership with families, Church and the wider
community. The ethos of our school aims to encourage attitudes
of citizenship which include respect for person and property;
honesty; trust and fairness and self esteem.
For the discipline policy to be effective there needs to be
consistency in approach from all responsible members of our
community.
back to contents
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
We aim to work in open and honest partnership with parents
and recognise that parents are the prime educators of their
children and have a large influence on their children’s
behaviour. We understand that many families are operating
under conditions of enormous hardship, poverty and distress.
Life in inner city Hackney and Islington is never easy.
We do, however, expect all parents to support the aims
and mission of the school and to support the staff in their
adherence to and acceptance of school rules applied equally
to all.
We ask that parents ensure that children arrive on time, adequately
fed, with full school uniform and a respect for school books
and property. All absences must be accounted for as soon as
possible.
back to contents
BULLYING
By bullying we mean the wilful conscious desire to hurt,
threaten or frighten someone else persistently. We regard
all bullying as unacceptable aggression whether it be physical,
verbal or psychological.
Bullying may take the form of isolating; name calling;
physical attack; damaging or stealing property; forcing someone
to behave in an unacceptable manner; mental cruelty or name
calling.
All incidents of reported bullying will be treated very
seriously by the whole community and thoroughly investigated
and recorded. Repeated offences will have serious consequences
for the perpetrators. Governors will support any exclusion
for persistent misconduct.
Ideally we aim to reconcile all parties involved in any
incident and to counsel both sides where appropriate.
Further details see Bullying Policy
back to contents
RACIAL & SEXUAL HARRASSMENT
Racial and sexual harassment is seen as a specific and
malicious form of bullying. As such it is totally unacceptable
and will never be tolerated in our school. We see racial
and sexual harassment as being the complete antithesis of
Gospel values and all we stand for as a school community.
Through our R.E. programme we aim to foster respect and dignity
for the worth of every human being and recognise the individual
gifts of all. In the same way we recognise that Jesus expelled
the money lenders from the temple so we aim to ensure that
racism and discrimination have absolutely no place in our
school.
Further details see Race Equality Policy
As a school we intend to promote responsibility
and success in our children’s lives. This can only
come about if we all strive to be true and faithful to
our stated Mission Statement. We ask our children in our
school motto:
"To shine with love, kindness and respect"
.............. and also with a smile.
back to contents
OFSTED
We were last inspected by OFSTED in the summer of 1999.
If you would like to see this report please click here to
go to the OFSTED site, where you can view/download the report.
This school year is our OFSTED year, a more recent report
will be uploaded once the inspection is complete.
back to contents |
back
