Kincaidston Primary School
Information Booklet for Parents and Carers
August 2011 to June 2012
“Good communication between home and school is essential for the well-being of our children.”
Dear Parent/Carer
In Kincaidston Primary School, we are committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for our pupils in order to help each child achieve and reach his/her full potential.
We are proud of our reputation for caring and place great importance on ensuring that our children are safe and happy.
I firmly believe that by working together to build home/school relationships, which are based on understanding, mutual respect and trust, we will be well placed to meet our shared responsibility for educating your child(ren).
This booklet has been prepared in order that parents, carers and pupils have information and advanced notice of some of the key arrangements for this session.
Should you require any further information, please contact us at the school – we will be happy to help.
Yours sincerely Sandy Hose Head Teacher
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2011/2012
Teachers (In-service) Tues 16 Aug 2011 Teachers (In-service) Wed 17 Aug 2011 Pupils return Thurs 18 Aug 2011 local holiday Fri 16 Sept 2011 local holiday Mon 19 Sept 2011
Close Fri 14 Oct 2011 Teachers (In-service) Mon 24 Oct 2011 Re-open (Pupils) Tues 25 Oct 2011 Close (2.30pm) Fri 23 Dec 2011 Re-open Mon 9 Jan 2012
Close Thurs 9 Feb 2012 local holiday Fri 10 Feb 2012 Holiday Mon 13 Feb 2012 Teachers (In-service) Tues 14 Feb 2012 Re-open (pupils) Wed 15 Feb 2012
Close (2.30pm) Fri 30 Mar 2012 Re-open Mon 16 April 2012
May Day Mon 7 May 2012
Teachers (In-service) Fri 01 Jun 2012 local holiday Mon 04 Jun 2012 Local holiday (Queen‟s Tues 05 Jun 2012 Diamond Jubilee)
Close (1.00pm) Wed 27 Jun 2012
The dates below are provisional Teachers (In-service) Thurs 16 Aug 2012 (provisional) Teachers (In-service) Fri 17 Aug 2012 (provisional) Pupils return Mon 20 Aug 2012 (provisional) IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR INTEREST
Annual Sponsored Event 8 September 2011 (Nursery-P7) P7 – Dolphin House 12 – 15 Sept 2011 Infant Induction 10 May 2012 School Show (Oliver) 15 & 16 May 2012 (evening) P7 Visit to Belmont 11 & 12 June 2012 School Sports Day 13 June 2012 P7 Cluster Sports 15 June 2012 End of Term Service 27 June 2012
School Photographs 2 November 2011
Christmas Lunch 8 Dec 2011 P7 Christmas Lunch 9 Dec 2011
Christmas Fayre 8 Dec 2011 (evening)
Christmas Parties 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Dec 2011
Christmas Closing Service 22 Dec 2011 (9.30am)
Christmas Pantomime 23 Dec 2011 (am) Robin Hood (in school)
REPORTING TO PARENTS AND PARENTS’ MEETINGS
Parents Meetings have been arranged for session 2011/12 as follows:- Monday 14 November 2011 Evening Tuesday 15 November 2011 Daytime
Monday 26 March 2012 Evening Tuesday 27 March 2012 Daytime
Details of each meeting will be sent home in good time via schoolbags. WRITTEN PUPIL REPORTS will be issued to parents one week prior to the March Parents‟ meetings.
SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL
As previously advised the School Board and Parents‟ Association have joined to form a School Parent Council. Details of any future meetings will be sent out to you in due course.
NEWSLETTERS
A school newsletter will usually be published each term. As these are sent home with pupils, please check schoolbags and be on the lookout for the current issue.
CARE AND WELFARE OF PUPILS
Every member of the support staff and teaching staff in the school has responsibility for the welfare of pupils.
The class teacher is the best first contact should a parent/carer wish to discuss their child‟s progress, behaviour or general well being. The management team of the school is always interested and willing to assist when required.
As a health promoting school we are again this session focussing on Active Health promoting physical exercise and Healthy Eating. Please contribute by discouraging your child(ren) from bringing sugary snacks to school and instead bring fruit whenever possible. The school nurse is available should parents wish to discuss their child‟s health with her.
We intend to promote exercise as fun by holding a number of fun events throughout the school year.
CHILD PROTECTION CO-ORDINATOR
Mr Hose, Head Teacher, is the co-ordinator for all Child Protection issues relating to children attending Kincaidston Primary School and Nursery Classes. Any person with a concern regarding the care and welfare of any child should contact Mr Hose without delay in order that any issue may be addressed timeously.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Members of the Management Team have specific areas of responsibility.
Miss Wagner, Nursery Teacher has specific responsibility for overseeing nursery classes.
Mrs Currie, Depute Head Teacher has specific responsibility for overseeing Language – Nursery to P7 Nursery Class
Mrs Jamieson, Principal Teacher has specific responsibility for overseeing Health and Wellbeing Programme Determined to Succeed
Mr Hose, Head Teacher has overall responsibility for all pupils in the school. Management and overview of all school issues Pupil support (including behavioural issues) Child Protection issues
If telephoning, parents should ask to speak to the Depute Head Teacher (Mrs Currie).
In certain circumstances it may be necessary for parents/carers to discuss matters with the Head Teacher (Mr Hose) School contact No. 01292 266686
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
Parents have a legal obligation to ensure that their child(ren) attend school regularly.
Kincaidston Primary School operates a computerised registration system which holds information on pupils‟ absences and lateness.
It is essential that
Parents/carers contact the school by 9.15 am on each day of absence to advise of reason for absence
If your child is absent and we have not heard from you by 9.15 am, the school will telephone the child‟s home so that the child‟s whereabouts and safety may be established.
As a first step to progressing at school is regular attendance. I would urge any parent foreseeing a difficulty in this area to make early contact with the school.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The wearing of earrings is likely to cause difficulties on „gym days‟. Please ensure that your child does not wear earrings on these days or alternatively, if removing the earrings causes a problem, then pupils may bring micropore tape to school and use this to cover over the earrings for the duration of the P.E. lesson.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Kincaidston Primary School has a very attractive school uniform consisting of sweatshirt in the school‟s colours of turquoise and white. The sweatshirt should be worn with a white polo shirt. Girls are requested to wear a dark or grey skirt or trousers and boys should wear dark or grey trousers.
The school will issue an order form for ordering sweatshirts/polo shirts, fleeces and waterproof jackets. If you require any further information on the school uniform please contact the school office.
The school will make every effort to return lost property. However, if your child’s name is not marked clearly on their property, we may be unable to help you.
The following categories of clothing are deemed unacceptable for school wear:-
any item carrying advertising for alcohol/tobacco.
any item encouraging factions (eg. Football colours.)
any item causing offence (eg. Anti-religion, symbolism, sexist statements etc.)
In Kincaidston Primary School we strongly discourage the wearing of denim clothing.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT
Our children receive 2 hours of PE each week and for these sessions all children must bring the appropriate kit. This should be - White Top, Black/Grey Shorts, Gym Shoes
HOMEWORK
Homework is any school work that takes place outwith formal classroom teaching.
What is Homework for?
Allowing parents and carers to become familiar with work which is currently being taught in the classroom.
Providing opportunities daily for school and home to communicate where necessary and to demonstrate to pupils the shared commitment home and school has to their learning.
Practice and consolidation of work done in class.
Allowing preparation for future class work.
Developing skills for working independently.
Training for pupils in planning and organising.
Developing good work habits, self discipline and responsibility for own learning.
Each stage from Nursery to P.7 brings with it different demands on different pupils. It is difficult to be exact as to how much time each child should spend on homework. Please note that we do not necessarily issue homework every night.
PUPIL PLANNERS – Information for parents
Reading with your child
Always make reading to your child, and hearing him/her read ENJOYABLE. Choose a quiet place and a time that suits you both when neither of you is tired.
Encourage your child to:
Read with fluency
Read with expression
Break new words down into sounds that he/she know such as: st – o – p = stop ch – ar – m = charm
Use other ways of reading unknown words, eg, look at pictures, recognise parts of a word, think what would make sense
Predict what he/she thinks will happen next in a story
Talk about the book when he/she has finished it, eg, who were the main characters, when and where did the story take place
Use contents pages and index of a non-fiction book
Read all kinds of reading materials, eg, magazines, newspapers, atlases and roadmaps, instructions for games and toys, recipes in cookery books, letters and advertisements.
Please fill in the home-school reading record, and write your own comments such as “He really liked the book”, “She read with lots of expression”, “He tried hard but found some words very difficult”. Remember to give lots of praise and encouragement.
Using this Planner
The planner tells you what your child will be learning each term, and lets you know his/her main learning targets. Try to look at it and read your child‟s comments at least once a week. Please sign it each week and write in your own comments.
HOMEWORK
The following should act as a general guide:
Nursery Homework Story Sacks P.1 10/15 minutes each day P.2 15 minutes each day P.3 15/20 minutes each day P.4 20 minutes each day P.5 20/25 minutes each day P.6 25/30 minutes each day P.7 30 minutes plus each day
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
In Kincaidston Primary School we place a great deal of importance on the provision of extra-curricular activities which are provided on a voluntary basis by our staff and some willing helpers.
The range of activities below should give you a flavour of what is normally on offer.
Musical Activities - Choir – Miss McClure
Dance - Scottish Country Dancing Mrs J. Wilcox
Chess Club - Mr Lampard
Sports Activities - Swimming – P5 Class Netball – Miss McClure/Mrs Stone Football – Mr Hose/Mr Cuthbert Rugby – Stewart Fenwick Basketball – Fraser Stone Multi-Sports – Miss McCutcheon Cycling Proficiency – P6 Class
Residential Stay - Dolphin House at Culzean September 2011 P7 Class
Sewing/Cooking - Mrs Donaldson/Mrs Dunlop
A CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE
Kincaidston Primary School has now fully implemented a curriculum which meets the needs of all children and young people from 3 to 18, ensuring a focus on developing the four capacities at every stage:
Successful Learners Responsible Citizens Confident Individuals Effective Contributors
The purpose of a Curriculum for Excellence is to ensure that all children and young people of Scotland develop the attributes, knowledge and skills they will need to flourish in life, learning and work, now and in the future.
ASSEMBLIES
Pupils and staff assemble for various purposes throughout the school year.
We come together to share information, celebrate achievements, promote our school values and share the work of our classes with each other.
Our assemblies will take place every Friday for both Infants and Upper School from 9.00am – 9.45am.
Special Assembles are as follows:-
14 Oct 2011 - Harvest Service at school in the main hall. Parents welcome
23 Dec 2011 – Christmas closing service Parents welcome
30 March 2012 -Easter Service at school in the main hall Parents welcome
HMI AND CARE COMMISSION
The school was inspected in November 2007. The following areas were highlighted as Key Strengths –
The welcoming, positive and happy atmosphere in the nursery and throughout the school. Pupils‟ strong sense of belonging and pride in the school. Positive relationships and teamwork among all staff. High quality displays and stimulating learning environment. The commitment and vision of the head teacher.
The main points for action were -
Ensure that lessons provide sufficient pace and challenge to motivate pupils and allow all to make progress in line with their capabilities; Involve parents and pupils more closely in the process of identifying learning needs and setting appropriate targets within individualised educational programmes; Review the responsibilities and deployment of the extended management team to focus more closely on improving learning and teaching; and Develop existing approaches to self-evaluation to focus more closely on key aspects of learning and teaching in the main areas of the curriculum.
All of the above points of action have now been successfully addressed.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Priorities for 2011/12
No. Priority Name Outcome 1. The development of The implementation of a whole school active numeracy and programme to ensure depth and breadth of mathematical skills maths and numeracy across learning. nursery/primary. 2. The development of The implementation of a whole school active literacy skills programme to ensure depth and breadth of throughout the school. literacy across learning. 3. To develop a whole All outcomes and experiences are covered school balanced through a balanced programme within levels. programme of interdisciplinary and discreet subjects. 4. To develop effective Staff, pupils and parents are confident in assessment procedures our attainment across learning through to monitor attainment. dialogue, professional judgement and standardised testing. 5. To implement a whole Staff will be delivering an effective and school health and purposeful health and wellbeing programme. wellbeing programme. 6. To develop a cluster Staff are confident in assessing children‟s approach to writing. moderation focussed on writing. 7. To develop Children will use the school and local opportunities for environment as a stimulus for learning. learning outdoors.
STANDARD AND QUALITY UPDATE
How Good was the Education the School Provided?
Curriculum
Language
We continued to develop our Active Literacy programme throughout the school. Our children are more confident and independent in the skills of reading, writing, talking and listening. We continued to provide new resources to challenge and develop higher order thinking skills. In the infant department we are delighted with the confidence that the children have to share their writing skills with the whole school. We have purchased new non- fiction books throughout the school to develop writing across learning and our phonics/spelling framework is established throughout the school. Our Active Literacy programme trains the children to use strategies to become independent readers and writers.
Next Steps Quality staff training from the writers of the Active Literacy programme. To further develop writing across learning. To develop cluster partnerships to improve writing. To establish a Glow link to share good practice.
Maths
Active Maths is firmly embedded in the school curriculum and is an effective part of our maths framework. Pupils are progressing well and are now confident in working within a group or independently. Teachers continue to use a range of resources to enhance the programme and these include Education City, EdPax Maths and Math Whizz. We have purchased and implemented a new Active Maths programme in First Level.
Next Steps To purchase and implement the Active Maths Second Level resource. Quality staff training from the writer of the programme (Lynda Keith) on the implementation of the new resource. Introduce CfE Maths and Numeracy Experience and Outcome Planners.
How Good was the Education the School Provided
Interdisciplinary Learning
New interdisciplinary planners ensure the delivery of framework for developing learning in line with Curriculum for Excellence guidance. Following our audit we have adapted our framework to introduce themes in line with the outcomes and experiences.
Next Steps To evaluate the effectiveness of new resources in delivering the outcomes and experiences. To create a framework within levels to ensure breadth and depth of learning.
Pupil Support
Pupil Support is fully integrated throughout the school. There are regular review meetings and IEP‟s are updated termly in consultation with parents and pupils. There are support structures in school and strong links with outside agencies to ensure the care and welfare of pupils.
Next Steps SMT to lead whole school training in GIRFEC.
How Good was the Management of the School?
The systems for management of finances, support for learning, planning and organisation of resources are well established. The distribution of budgets reflect the implementation of our Action Plan and CfE.
Our policies are developing in line with CfE and we are employing a whole school approach from Nursery to Primary 7. Staff are engaged in self- evaluation which is used to inform necessary improvements. We have been involved in collaborative working both in school and across the cluster to develop and share good practice. We have provided CPD opportunities for our own and visiting staff. Staff are deployed across the school taking cognisance of strengths and individual needs.
Next Steps Implement a more strategic approach to self evaluation process in order to bring about necessary changes.
How Good was the Leadership of the School?
In order to achieve the very best for the children and to instil pride and belief in themselves the SMT have a very focussed vision for the way ahead.
We continue to develop consultation with parents, pupils and staff in order to provide clarity regarding our whole school ethos and the way ahead. We produce our Development Plan through consultation with staff and regularly monitored and evaluated practice and progress to ensure improvement in Learning and Teaching. Our results this year reflect these improvements. Staff are becoming more confident in sharing good practice with others.
Social Studies
More time is now allocated to Social Studies across all stages with a focus on a skills approach through active learning and interdisciplinary learning.
Science
Science is taught both in individual classes and part of an ongoing programme and through interdisciplinary learning.
Eco School
Mrs Jamieson has developed strong links with the community and work will continue with the development of our Nursery Garden.
Expressive Arts
Next Steps Build up playground resources to develop fitness.
Religious and Moral Education
Next Steps Give a higher profile to RME. Staff need to have clearly defined areas for RME in their classrooms.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Our school choir were commended in their section at the Ayrshire Music Festival.
Children‟s work was exhibited at the Maclaurin Gallery, Rozelle House.
The school presented a high quality Talent Show. The A Factor DVD is now available for sale. Please contact the school for more details.
SECURITY
In the interests of pupil safety and security, you should always report to the main office in order to sign in.
When parents/carers are collecting P.1 pupils at the end of the school day, the P.1 entrance should be used.
Primary 2 and 3 children should be collected at the end of the school day at the exit door in the infant end of the building. Please encourage children in these stages to return to their class if an adult is not there to collect them. Should you wish your child to walk home, please inform the school in writing.
Please note that parents of pupils in P.2 & 3 should not enter the classrooms after the 9.00 am bell in the morning in order that class teachers can settle the children as quickly as possible.
CAR PARK
The car park is for the use of staff and visitors to the school. Parents should not drop their children off in the car park. Children are not allowed in the car park at any time. If, in an emergency, you have to park in the car park please ensure that your child is accompanied through the gate into a safe area.
We thank you for your support in these matters and hope that the school and parents can work together to provide a safe environment for the children.
LUNCHES
Our school supports the “Hungry for Success” campaign, and as such provides healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.
We hope that you will support us in this project.
As part of our Health Promoting Schools Policy we will also have a Terrific Table on a termly basis.
A Cashless Catering system is in operation at Kincaidston. Parents should ensure that their child‟s account has money in it. All money should be sent in the special envelopes provided. These can be obtained from the office.
STAFF INFORMATION
Head Teacher Mr Sandy Hose
Depute Head Teacher Mrs A. Currie
Principal Teacher Mrs V. Jamieson
Class Teachers Miss E. McClure Miss C. Thomson Mrs K. Houston Mrs C. Holmes Mr I. Robertson Miss S. McCutcheon Mrs R. Stone Mrs L. Robertson Mrs N. Coull
Nursery Teacher Miss C. Wagner
Nursery Nurses Mrs N. Harvey Mrs A. Cunningham Mrs R. Sturgeon
Pupil Support Mrs J. Parker Miss J. Chester
Music Specialists Mrs L. Gourlay
STAFF INFORMATION
Clerical Staff: Mrs J Brady Mrs K. Jackson
Janitor: Mr G. Cuthbert
Teaching Assistants: Mrs P. Crossan Mrs F. Donaldson Mrs J. Wilcox Mrs A. Dunlop
Kitchen Staff: Mrs B. Craig Mrs A. Gemmell Mrs H. Woodburn Mrs R. Money
Cleaning Staff: Mrs G. McCubbin Ms M. Laverty Mrs L. McCann Ms A. Foley
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kincaidston Primary School Cranesbill Court Ayr KA7 3YN
01292 266686 FAX 01292 266686
Head Teacher: Mr Sandy Hose
School Nurse: Donna Hillis 01292 885556
South Ayrshire Council Children and Community County Buildings Wellington Square AYR KA7 1DR
0300 123 0900