ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

 Information for parents 2020/2021

School telephone number:        028  4484 1546

There has been no information with regards to when schools will reopen at the moment but as a school we need to have a plan in place for September. When information is provided the following plans may change in relation to Government guidelines.

School hours:                           

Holiday Arrangements:

The school will be closed for the months of July and most of August and all statutory holidays.  School starts on Thursday 27^th August for all pupils. Thursday 27^th and Friday 28^th will be half days as there will be no school meals on those days. T means teaching days

Organisation of Classes

It is the policy of the school to teach pupils within a composite class (two plus primaries together).

Homework

St. Joseph’s Primary School sees a value in children engaging in homework as a means of revising both written and oral work, in discovering information unavailable in school, in involving parents in their children’s studies and in the development of good work habits.  Against this must be balanced each child’s need for recreation and the development of private interests and hobbies thus the school policy is as follows:

Homework will not be set for completion at weekends, holidays or special occasions. 

Visiting the School

It is the aim of St. Joseph’s to involve parents in the education of their children and to inform them as fully as possible about their child’s progress.  Parents meetings are arranged in the first term to discuss your child’s progress.  If however you have any queries or worries regarding your child, contact the class teacher and an arrangement will be made to speak with him/her.

Pastoral Care

In line with the policy of maximizing the potential of each pupil the school recognizes that it has a responsibility to do everything possible to care for each pupil's physical and emotional well-being.  The school will endeavour to provide a comfortable and safe environment for learning.  Due to the nature of primary education it will be the responsibility of each class teacher to look after the pastoral needs of the children in his/her class.  Class teachers will be grateful for information about any difficult home circumstances, which may be causing distress or anxiety.

When a child is sick or injured the school will attempt to call the parent or guardian and bring them to the school.  If this is not possible the child will be brought home or in more severe cases to the hospital.

In all cases it will be the school policy to act in the best interests of the child.

School Uniform

Compulsory Uniform- We as a school are very lucky to have such a wonderful uniform which is compulsory. See the images and information below with relation to the uniform. If purchases need to be made during the holidays, Pricewise in Downpatrick provides the school uniform. If you would like to investigate whether or not your child may be eligible for a school uniform grant, please see the following link. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/school-uniform-and-uniform-grants

Or see the following link to apply.

http://www.eani.org.uk/i-want-to/fsm/howtoapply/

Day to day uniform: - Burgundy school jumper or cardigan with the new school crest, Grey trousers or grey skirt/pinafore with a white polo shirt with white or grey socks or grey tights/burgundy socks/tights. Summer Season adjustments allowed-adjust grey trousers to grey school shorts only, adjust grey pinafore/skirt to red checked dress with white, grey or burgundy socks. P.E. Uniform Adjustments (Wednesday/Friday or when requested by the school)- School trousers/skirt/pinafore can be swopped for plain black tracksuit bottoms only.

We look forward to seeing everyone in their smart new uniforms in September.

PLEASE LABEL ALL JUMPERS, CARDIGANS, SKIRTS/TROUSERS ETC. AS THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME. 

We look forward to accompanying you and your child on the journey through their early years in our school