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Holy Cross High School Handbook 2017/2018

1 SPES UNICA OUR ONLY HOPE

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

• INTRODUCTION BY HEAD TEACHER • A CHARTER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOLY CROSS

• HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT • ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER • STAFF LIST • SCHOOL DAY • SCHOOL YEAR • PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOLS • PARTNERSHIP WORKING BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL

PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR PARENTS

• OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM • PUPIL ENROLMENT • PARENT FORUM/PARENT COUNCIL • PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION • SCHOOL MEALS • SCHOOL TRANSPORT • KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED • HELPING YOUR CHILD TO LEARN

OUR PUPIL SUPPORT SYSTEM

• GETTING IT RIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD (GIRFEC) • PUPIL SUPPORT TEACHERS • SUPPORT FOR LEARNING • PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

SUPPORT FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

• HOMEWORK DIARIES • HOMEWORK • S6 PREFECT SYSTEM • S6 BUDDY SYSTEM • PAIRED LEARNERS • CAREERS

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OUR COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND L E A R N I N G

• SCHOOL CHAPLAIN • LITURGY • PASTORAL TEAM • CARITAS GROUP • FUNDRAISING

• RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

OUR INCLUSIVE ETHOS • INTEGRATED CHILDREN’S SERVICES • ANTI-BULLYING POLICY • CHILD PROTECTION POLICY • EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES • EQUALITY & DIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT • ATTENDANCE

OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

• CURRICULUM OF YEAR GROUPS • ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING • INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES FOR OUR PARENTS/CARERS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR PARENTS/CARERS FROM OUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

• FOREWORD FROM SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL • HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE • INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES • DATA PROTECTION



INTRODUCTION BY THE HEAD TEACHER

Welcome to Holy Cross High School. Our aim is to raise the aspirations and motivation of our young people so they may achieve the highest standards possible during their time with us. As a Catholic School, we offer our young people a learning environment which is conducive to spiritual growth and which is characterised by mutual respect and gospel values.

Holy Cross High School is a successful, popular and inclusive school. We have an outstanding tradition of high academic achievement; and encourage our young people to participate in society as caring, compassionate, and responsible citizens. Our

bright, new, modern building is located in a private and picturesque campus, overlooking Bothwell Park. We have state-of-the-art facilities which i nc l ude :

ICT rooms, Games Hall, Fitness suite, Science Labs, Design/Craft Rooms, Drama Studio as well as classrooms and an excellent library/resource centre. In Holy Cross High School we believe in our young p e o p l e .

We aspire to meet all the demands of The Charter for Catholic Schools, in particular; “… A commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole person”.

“….working in close partnership with parents as the first educators of their children”, and of course, “the pursuit of excellence through the development of each young person’s unique God-given talents”.

This handbook provides a snapshot of the day-to-day life of the school. However, please do

not hesitate to contact us if you require further information. I look forward to working with you and your child in the exciting years ahead.

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

HEAD TEACHER



A CHARTER for CATHOLIC SCHOOLS in SCOTLAND

The mission of the Catholic school is to develop as a community of faith and learning, providing

the highest quality of education, and offering formation through the promotion of Gospel values,

through celebration and worship, and through service to the common good.

All Catholic schools in Scotland, in honouring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the

Life, will feature the following characteristics:

✴ A commitment to the integrated education and formation of the whole person, in close

partnership with parents as the first educators of their children;

✴ An inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person, made in the image of God;

✴ A commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit of excellence, through the development of each person’s unique God-given talents;

✴ A commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community, through the shared experience of prayer and liturgy, and in partnership with local parishes;

✴ The provision of religious education programmes which will enable young people to develop their understanding of Gospel values and of how to apply them to life;

✴ A commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and sacramental life of the Catholic Church;

✴ A commitment to communicate Catholic social teaching and thereby to promote social justice and opportunity for all;

✴ A commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians;

✴ The promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and for inter-faith dialogue;

✴ A commitment to support the continuing professional and spiritual development of staff.

All staff appointed to a Catholic school are expected to support and promote

the aims, mission, values and ethos of the school, as illustrated in this Charter.

Published by the Scottish Catholic Education Service on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland



GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOLY CROSS

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

________

Holy Cross is a catholic comprehensive school that strives t o :

✦ Create a climate of compassion and support based on Christian values ✦ Promote an active partnership involving home, school and parish ✦ Provide opportunities for everyone to grow in faith ✦ Encourage all members of the school community to hold each other in high

regard ✦ Ensure everyone is treated as a unique individual ✦ Provide education of the highest quality and so prepare pupils for the

challenges and responsibilities of adult life

THE SCHOOL

_______

NAME OF SCHOOL HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL

ADDRESS 51 NEW PARK STREET

HAMILTON ML3 0BN

TELEPHONE NUMBER 01698 543 450

FAX NUMBER 01698 543 451

EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected]

DESCRIPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC

CO -EDUCATIONAL SIXTH YEAR

COMPREHENSIVE

AREA SERVED BOTHWELL, HAMILTON, LARKHALL, LESMAHAGOW,

STRATHAVEN, UDDINGSTON

CURRENT ROLL S1: 227 S2: 212 S3: 199

S4: 194 S5: 186 S6: 136

LIKELY INTAKE FOR FUTURE YEARS Maxim 240 each year

mailto:[email protected]



SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

MR J REILLY

MRS M DOUGLAS (0.8 Fte)

MRS C FAGAN

MRS C A MCLAUGHLIN

MRS R REA

MRS M WATTERS (ACTING DHT 0.2 Fte)

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

FR PATRICK DUFFY

ADMIN/OFFICE STAFF

MR G WEATHERALL AFA

MRS E EGAN (TEAM LEADER)

MRS F FINDLAY (HEAD TEACHERS SECRETARY)

MRS L SWEENEY

MRS J JONES

MRS D MCDONALD

MRS P BRUCE

MRS J GOW

ART & DESIGN/MUSIC FACULTY

MS S HORNE (FACULTY HEAD)

ART & DESIGN

MISS M CHIAPPA

MS G HARVIE

MS A MARTIN

MR A MAIN(Area Cover)

MUSIC

MS F LYON

MS K PERRIE

MUSIC TUTORS

MRS R CHALMERS

MR G WALKER

MR MCDONALD

MR MICHAEL

MR HARRIS

BUSINESS EDUCATION/COMPUTING FACULTY

MRS P RUSSELL (FACULTY HEAD)

BUSINESS EDUCATION

MRS R MCQUEEN (0.6 Fte)

MRS K SNEDDON

MRS S WARDLAW (AREA COVER)

COMPUTING

MRS E MCGROARTY

MISS P JOHNSTON

MR T MCKEIRNAN

ENGLISH

MRS H GIUSTI (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

MISS S JONES

MRS D CAMILLO

MISS K DICKIE PT PS

MR P KELLY

MR J MACKINNON

MRS E TAYLOR

MISS K CUNNINGHAM

MRS D MCGORRY

MISS F SHILLAN

HOME ECONOMICS AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FACULTY

MRS A LYNCH (FACULTY HEAD)

HOME ECONOMICS

MISS K GRANT

MRS N CAMERON

TECHNICAL EDUCATION MRS G MCGUIRE MRS R MARSH MR B DARRAGH (0.6)

MR C WELLS Probationer

MATHEMATICS

MRS C MACKICHAN (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Mon, Tues, Wed)

MRS A M KERR (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Thurs, Fri)

MRS A JACKSON

MRS M ERCOLINO

MRS K PATON

MRS J SCOTT

MRS M KENNEDY

MRS A DUFFY

MRS J CALDWELL

MR E SMITH (Area Cover)

MRS R REA (DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER)

JANITORIAL STAFF

MR B FALLON

MRS T KENNEDY

LIRRARIAN

MRS A MCMULLIN

MODERN LANGUAGES

MR D ROBERTSON (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

MRS K HINCHLIFFE

MRS R MCKERRON PT PS

MRS A HAMILTON

MRS N GRZELAK (Area Cover)

MRS C A MCLAUGHLIN (DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER)



PHYSICAL EDUCATION/DRAMA FACULTY

MR G ROSS (FACULTY HEAD)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

MR D MCKEGNEY

MRS M A BRADLEY

MISS M BAILLIE

MRS M DOUGLAS (DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER) (0.8 Fte)

MRS C FAGAN (DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER)

DRAMA

MRS K ROAN (PRINCIPAL TEACHER)

MRS F TRAINER (PT SFL 0.2 Fte)

PUPIL SUPPORT

MRS A DUFFY

MISS K DICKIE

MRS R MCKERRON

MR F BOYLE

MR T MCCONVILLE

MR P KELLY (ACTING PT PS)

PARTNERSHIP STAFF

ACTIVE BREAKS

MRS D MCTAGGART

ATTENDANCE OFFICER

MRS J LANG

CAREERS OFFICER

MISS S HIGGINS

MRS V RANKIN

HOME/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP MS LEIGH THOMSON

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

MRS V DUCHAK

MRS J GRAY

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

MRS M WATTERS (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

MRS F TRAINER (ACTING PT SFL 0.2 Fte)

MRS E MCLEOD

MRS L BURNS

MRS C MORAN

MRS L GEBBIE

MRS A STEVENSON

MISS A GIBSON

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MISS D CLEARY Head of Department MS C MCALPINE Probationer SOCIAL SUBJECTS FACULTY

MR C MCKENNA (FACULTY HEAD) GEOGRAPHY

MRS D HONNET MS C ANDERSON HISTORY MRS EILEEN KENNEDY MR M DONNELLY MRS RHONA FLEMING MR J MCTAGGART (Area Cover) MODERN STUDIES MRS M MCINULTY MRS K O’HAGAN SCIENCE FACULTY MR B SMITH (FACULTY HEAD) MRS L CONSTABLE (FACULTY HEAD 0.2 Fte) BIOLOGY MR F BOYLE (PT PS) MRS E HANDS MRS L MORTON (0.6 Fte) MRS E DOCHERTY(0.4 Fte) CHEMSITRY MRS L CONSTABLE (FACULTY HEAD 0.2 Fte) MRS A REEVES (0.8 Fte) MR K MACKAY MR D REILLY (0.2 Fte) PHYSICS MRS L GLANCY MRS B GRIBBIN MR D ALLINSON TECHNICIANS MRS L GRAHAM MR J MCGOWAN MRS A GARDINER



THE SCHOOL DAY

Monday and Tuesday

7 Period Days

Period 1 8.45 - 9.35

Period 2 9.35 - 10.25

Tutor 10.25 - 10.35

Interval 10.35 - 10.50

Period 3 10.50 - 11.40

Period 4 11.40 - 12.30

Period 5 12.30 - 1.20

LUNCH 1.20 - 2.00

Period 6 2.00 - 2.50

Period 7 2.50 - 3.40

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

6 Period Days

Period 1 8.45 - 9.35

Period 2 9.35 - 10.25

Tutor 10.25 - 10.35

Interval 10.35 - 10.50

Period 3 10.50 - 11.40

Period 4 11.40 - 12.30

Lunch 12.30 - 1.10

Period 5 1.10 - 2.00

Period 6 2.00 - 2.50



School holiday Dates Session 2016/2017

Break

Holiday dates

First Term Teachers return Thursday 11 August 2016

Pupils return Monday 15 August 2016

September Weekend

Close

Thursday

22 September 2016

Re-open Tuesday 27 September 2016

October Break Close on Re-open

Friday Monday

14 October 2016 24 October 2016

Christmas Close on Thursday 22 December 2016

Second Term Re-open Monday 9 January 2017

February break Close on

Friday

10 February 2017

Re-open Wednesday

15 February 2017

Spring break/Easter Close on Friday 31 March 2017

Re-open Tuesday 18 April 2017

Third Term

Local Holiday Closed Monday 1 May 2017

Local Holiday

Close on Re-open on Thursday

Tuesday

25 May 2017 30 May 2017

Summer break Close on Tuesday

27 June 2017

Proposed in-service days

*Proposed date for teachers return (subject to consultation)

Notes

Good Friday falls on Friday, 14 April 2017

Lanark schools will close 8 and 9 June 2017

Schools will close at 2.30pm on the last day of terms 1 and 2 (Thursday, 22 December 2016 and Friday 31 March 2017)

Schools will close at 1pm on the last day of term 3 (Tuesday 27 June 2017)



*Two in-service days proposed for August 2017 to be confirmed.

Education Resources School holiday Dates Session 2017/2018

Break

Holiday dates

First Term Teachers return Tuesday 15 August 2017

Pupils return Thursday 17 August 2017

September Weekend

Closed on

Friday Monday

22 September 2017 25 September 2017

October Break Closed on

Monday Until Friday

16 October 2017 20 October 2017

Christmas Close on Friday 22 December 2017

Second Term Re-open Monday 8 January 2018

February break Closed on Monday Tuesday

12 February 2018 13 February 2018

Re-open Wednesday

14 February 2018

Spring break/Easter Closed Friday 30 March 2018

Re-open Monday 16 April 2018

Third Term

Local Holiday Closed Monday 7 May 2018

Local Holiday

Closed on

Friday Monday

25 May 2018 28 May 2018

Re-open Tuesday 29 May 2018

Summer break Closed on Friday

29 June 2018

Notes

Good Friday falls on Friday, 30 March 2018

Lanark schools will close 7 and 8 June 2018

Schools will close at 2.30pm on the last day of terms 1 and 2 (Friday, 22 December 2017 and Thursday 29 March 2018)

Schools will close at 1pm on the last day of term 3 (Thursday, 28 June 2018)



PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOLS

NAME OF SCHOOL

St Athanasius’ Primary School

ADDRESS

John Street

Carluke

ML48 4DD

HEAD TEACHER

Mr F Farrell

St Bride’s Primary School Ailsa Road

Bothwell G71 8LP

Mrs D Pacitti

St Elizabeth’s Primary School William Drive

Eddlewood Hamilton ML3

7RQ

Mrs C MacPhee

St John’s Primary School (Blackwood) Carlisle Road

Blackwood Kirkmuirhill

ML11 9RZ

Mrs Y McCart

St John The Baptist Primary School 90 North British Road

Uddingston G71 6NW

Mrs M Beacom

St Mary’s Primary School (Hamilton) Cadzow Street

Hamilton ML3 6JT

Mrs E Fitzpatrick

St Mary’s Primary School (Larkhall) Raploch Road

Larkhall ML9 1AN

Mrs L Sweeney

St Mary’s Primary School (Lanark) Whitelees Road

Lanark ML11 7LE

Ms J Droy

Our Lady and St Anne’s Primary School Hall Street

Hamilton ML3 6RZ

Mrs S Lawson

St Patrick’s Primary School Commercial Road

Strathaven ML10 6JW

Mr I McGuire

St Paul’s Primary School Backmuir Road

Whitehill Hamilton

ML3 0PX

Mrs L Mullen



PARTNERSHIP WORKING BETWEEN PRIMARY

AND SECONDARY SCHOOL

At Holy Cross High School we enjoy first class partnership working with all of our partner primary schools, all of whom give Holy Cross High School tremendous support. A full programme of meetings takes place throughout the year in which all of the Head Teachers meet and discuss our Liaison Programme and the ways in which it can best meet the needs of all young p e o p l e .

Regular visits to all schools take place throughout the year involving senior staff, the pupil support team, support for learning staff and some of our young people. These visits are designed for a number of reasons:

• To maintain regular contact

• To provide reassurance to young people in P7

• To provide confidence to young people in P7 that they can rise to the challenges in S1

• To ensure that all young people in P7 look forward to continuing their education in Holy Cross High School

Meetings for Parents/Carers of the young people in P7 in each primary school also take place. These meetings provide parents with the opportunity of meeting senior staff and asking any questions about the move from primary to secondary.

Finally in May and June a number of visits are arranged for the incoming First Year to Holy Cross

High School. These visits are extremely worthwhile for the following reasons.

It will provide all young people to:

• Meet Holy Cross High School Staff

• Find their way around the school building

• Follow their new first year timetable

• Meet their new classmates

Primary/Secondary Transition Programme



PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR PARENTS OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM

In Holy Cross High School, we have a fantastic tradition of

wearing our school uniform. A tradition established over many

years as a result of the outstanding support we receive from

young people, parents and staff regarding our uniform.

Consequently, as a school community, we are extremely

proud of our school uniform which is recognised throughout the

West of Scotland.

Young People in S2

We ask all parents/carers to support the school by encouraging young people to adhere to the

agreed dress code and the wearing of our school uniform. The wearing of a school uniform

helps promote the identity of the school in the local community and helps create an ethos of

sharing and pride in the school.

In addition, the wearing of a uniform helps towards increasing the protection of all pupils in light of

the need to be more security conscious in all of our schools. The wearing of a uniform helps staff

and the pupils to distinguish between who belongs to the school and those who may be visitors.

This enables staff to approach and identify visitors more readily and helps in trying to offer a safer

environment for pupils and teachers alike.

Equality of opportunity is an important aspect of the life of the school. Any proposals on the dress

code and on what constitutes the school uniform will be the subject of discussion with the Parent

Council and where appropriate consultation with parents, pupils and staff. There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in all schools such as:

• The wearing of football colours

• Clothing with slogans that may cause offence (anti-religious, symbolism or

political slogans)

• Clothing which advertises alcohol, tobacco or drugs

• Clothing which can be deemed unsuitable in terms of health and safety grounds such

as tracksuits, combat style clothing, dangling earrings, loose fitting clothes

particularly in practical classes

• Articles of clothing that could be deemed to inflict damage on other pupils or be

used by others to do so

• Footwear that may damage flooring

Applications can be made online at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. If you are required to

submit evidence of your Tax Credit income it is important that a copy of this evidence is

attached to your online application. Should you require further information or you are

unable to submit an application online then please contact the helpline number 0303 123

1011 (option 5)

http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/



OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM

✦ Black Blazer ✦ White Shirt ✦ Black Skirt/Tartan Skirt or Black School Trousers ✦ School Tie ✦ Black V-neck/Sweatshirt ✦ Black Shoes

Items which are not permitted Tracksuit tops or bottoms Denim jackets or trousers Other coloured jumpers or tops Football Colours

OUR PE KIT

✦ Plain Black Shorts ✦ Plain White “Holy Cross” T-shirt ✦ Change of footwear to indoor shoes ✦ Tracksuit may be worn when class is outdoors

Football Tops are NOT allowed. Do not wear jewellery to school on P.E. Day.

School Captains and School Sports Captains

School Captains – Stephen Smith and Katie Davies



PUPIL ENROLMENT

Pupils normally transfer from primary to secondary school between the ages of 11½ and 12½, so that they will have the opportunity to complete at least 4 years of secondary education. Arrangements are made by the school to transfer children to the associated secondary school as determined by their home address. Parents of P7 children will be informed of the transfer arrangements made for their child to attend secondary school. We will also provide you with information at this time and on events designed to let P7 children visit the secondary school, meet up with other P7 children from other schools so that the transition period is as smooth as possible. Normally children attend the school in their catchment area. However, there are times when parents may wish their children to go to other schools. If you wish your child to go to another school then you may make what is known as a ‘placing request’. If you live in South Lanarkshire and decide to submit a ‘placing request’, we are unable to reserve a place in your catchment school until the Council has made a decision on the ‘placing request’. Please note if your ‘placing request’ application is unsuccessful and all places at your catchment school are filled you will be offered a place at the next nearest appropriate South Lanarkshire School. Please note that if an application for a ‘placing request’ is successful then school transport is not provided. If you move outwith your catchment primary school a ‘request to remain form’ must be completed. If you move outwith your catchment primary, this may affect your right to transfer to the associated Secondary School. Please note the secondary school is determined by the pupil’s permanent home address and chosen denomination. If you require further information, please contact Education Support Services on 03031231023.

FAMILY HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME

Every effort should be taken to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the

Child’s education and reduces learning time. If holidays are taken during times when the school is open

parents should inform the school in advance by letter.

If your child is taken on a family holiday during term time then in line with the Scottish Executive

Education Department advice this will be classified as an unauthorised absence. However, in exceptional

circumstances schools may register a family holiday during term time as an authorised absence when

for example, parents are unable to obtain leave during the school holiday period.



FAMILY HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME (CONT’D)

Clearly, absence with no explanation from parents will mean that the absence will be recorded as

unauthorised.

Every effort should be made to ensure that your child attends school during term time. Please contact the

school should your child be unable to attend school.

In our approach to raising achievement it is recognised that attendance at school is something that should be continuously encouraged. Parents, children and the school all have a part to play in encouraging children to attend school.

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

If you are proposing a change of school for your child please provide as many contact details as

possible in relation to the new school so that we can ensure a smooth transfer of information relating to

your child.



PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

(PARENT FORUMS/PARENT COUNCILS, PTAS (SUPPORTING

CHILDREN’S LEARNING)

South Lanarkshire Council recognises the importance of parents as partners in the

education of their child and has published a strategy entitled, ‘Making a difference – working together to support children’s learning’. This is available from the Council’s website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Parents, carers and family members are by far the most important influences on children’s lives. After all, between the ages of 5 and 16 children spend only 15% of their time in school! Research shows that when parents are involved in their child’s learning, children do better at school and throughout life. Parental representation is about helping parents and schools work together as partners in children’s learning.

A new approach to involvement

Because parents have such a vital role to play in their children’s education, the

Scottish Parliament has passed a law called the Scottish School (Parental

Involvement) Act 2006 - to encourage and support more parents to become involved.

The main aims of the Parental Involvement Act (the new law) are to:

• Learning at Home

Help parents become more involved with their child’s education and learning.

• Home/School Partnership

Welcome parents as active participants in the life of the school.

• Parental Representation

Provide easier ways for parents to express their views and wishes.

To help achieve these aims, all parents will automatically be members of the Parent Forum

at their child’s school and will be entitled to have a say in what happens at the school.

Parents can also decide to form a Parent Council to represent them.




Parent Council

The school and the local authority are obliged to listen to what the Parent Council says and

to respond to the issues raised. Parent Council’s decide such things as:

• How their Parent Council will be set up

• What it should be called (Parent Council or other name)

• What size it should be - e.g. in a very small Primary School, all parents could be

involved • Who should be a member of the Parent Council

• How they should be appointed

• When the most convenient time is to hold meetings

• What will be discussed at meetings - these might be topics such as school

uniform, parking near the school, the school’s anti-bullying policy, etc.

• However, it should be noted that a parent council cannot discuss issues

attributed to individual pupils.

Parental Involvement - What does it mean?

As a member you can expect to:

• Get information about what your child is learning • Get information about events and activities at the school

• Get advice/help on how you can support your child’s learning

• Be told about opportunities to be involved in the school

• Have a say in selecting a parent council to work on behalf of all parents at your school

Senior School Awards Ceremony from Left to Right: Mr Reilly, Professor Anthony Finn, Former Executive Director of Education Mr Jim Gilhooly and Chair of The Parent Council Mrs Justine Docherty. Young people with Certificates for Outstanding Achievement.



SCHOOL MEALS

We have a cashless cafeteria system of providing meals for children at Holy Cross. A very large variety of meals and snacks is on offer every day and pupils choose what they want to eat and pay for it with their own personal swipe card. Those pupils entitled to a free lunch are issued with a card to the value of that lunch. Please encourage your child to try the variety of soups, salads and other healthy foods. Healthy eating is something that the school supports and a range of meals are available at lunchtimes. Milk is available in the school dining hall. Pupils with packed lunches can also use the cafeteria areas. The system has been very successful and has proved popular with pupils and staff. Special diets can also be catered for.

Free School Meals Children of parents who receive the following benefits are entitled to a free lunchtime meal for their child

Income Support, Universal Credit, Job Seeker’s Allowance (income based), Employment and Support Allowance (income related), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (where your gross annual income does not exceed £6,420 as assessed by the HM Revenues and Customs), Child Tax Credit Only (where your gross annual income does not exceed £16,105 as assessed by the HM Revenues and Customs) or receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

We would encourage parents of children who are in receipt of any of the above benefits to take up the opportunity of having a meal provided for their child when they are at school. Arrangements are in place so that children who receive free meals are not singled out. Healthy eating is something that the school supports and a range of meals are available at lunchtimes. We also encourage all children to remain in school at lunch times. Education Maintenance Allowance Forms are available from South Lanarkshire Council website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk




SCHOOL TRANSPORT

School transport South Lanarkshire Council has a policy of providing school transport to Secondary pupils who reside more than two miles from their catchment school by the recognised shortest safest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or Education Resources, Hamilton, phone 0303 123 1023 or web www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of March for those pupils starting the school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year and will be considered by Education Resources. A paid privilege transport scheme is operated for mainstream school contracts where a pupil is not entitled to free school transport. Privilege transport will only be granted providing there is spare capacity on an existing school contract and will be from and to designated pick up and drop off points. Privilege transport will not be provided where a service bus is used on the school run. Any spare capacity will be allocated using agreed priorities. For more information on school transport contact Education Resources phone 0303 123 1023. Pick-up points Where school transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the authority’s distance limit for school transport. It should be noted that it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour can result in your child losing the right to school transport.

Parents are asked to note that South Lanarkshire Council does not provide transport for those pupils who attend school via a placing request.




KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED

All staff in Holy Cross High School welcomes and encourages regular contact with parents who are, after all, the first educators of their children. In Holy Cross High School, we believe that young people will have the best opportunity of developing their talents; if the school and the home work in genuine partnership.

At the heart of this is the flow of regular and informative communication to parents, for example, letters, reports and parents’ evenings. There are more examples of this flow of information below, however, we would welcome and encourage parents to contact us with any comments, or indeed, suggestions about the current information you receive. To ensure good communication takes place regularly throughout the school year, the following structures which are currently in place include:

• Monthly school bulletins

• Course choice information evenings

• Regular parents’ evenings to review pupil progress

• Newsletters

• Monthly Parent Council Minutes

• Twitter Feed

• Facebook Page Holy Cross Parent Council

• Information on developments such as Curriculum for Excellence

• School participation in community initiatives

In Holy Cross High School, we genuinely believe the most successful education occurs when home and school work in partnership and we look forward to working with all of our parents in future.

HELPING YOUR CHILD TO LEARN

Some suggestions from Holy Cross High School for Parents/Carers

EACH EVENING

• Check your child’s homework diary for each evening’s homework/preparation

• Please try to allow your child to have a peaceful place to do his/her homework

• Please try to help your child with his/her homework and please check that it is completed to a high standard

Each week, please sign the Homework Diary in the space at the foot of the page.

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SPES UNICA OUR ONLY HOPE

GETTING READY FOR NEXT DAY

• With your child, please look at his/her timetable for the next day

• Please make sure that he/she has packed his/her bag with all books, jotters, folders, pens and pencils he/she will need

• As some subjects need additional materials for example PE Kit – please help your child to have this laid out ready for the morning

• To assist good concentration in class, please encourage your child to go to bed at a sensible time

EACH MORNING

To allow your child to be in school before the school day begins at 8.45 am please:

• Get him/her up in plenty of time

• Allow time for breakfast as hungry pupils do not learn well: breakfast is also available in the school dining hall

• Make sure he/she leaves home early enough to be in school on time

• Check that he/she has remembered everything needed for the day’s lessons

School Captains and Vice Captains from Left to Right: Lucy Docherty, Stephen Smith, Katie Davies, Luke McParlane and Amy Smith

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OUR PUPIL SUPPORT SYSTEM

GETTING IT RIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD (GIRFEC) Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is an approach from the Scottish Government that sets out how schools and other services should work with children and their families. GIRFEC is all about ensuring that children and young people get the help they need when they need it and the right helps at the right time.

In Holy Cross High School we aim to help every young person in our school to reach their full

potential using their God given talents;

PUPIL SUPPORT SYSTEM The school’s Pupil Support System is organised on a vertical basis (that is, there is a Pupil Support Teacher responsible for a number of pupils in each year group from S1 to S6. A pupil entering First Year will be the responsibility of the same Pupil support Teacher until leaving school).

The aim of the Pupil Support System is to monitor the curricular, vocational and personal development and welfare of the individual pupil.

The Objectives of the pupil support team are to:

a) Ensure the smooth transition of pupils from primary to secondary school:

b) Ensure that each pupil is known and cared for as an individual, has a learning programme appropriate to his/her needs.

c) Develop home/school links and gain parental understanding and co-operation.

d) Develop effective systems of recording the progress of pupils – This is especially important when Pupil Support staff are giving advice to parents and pupils on the courses which should be taken at the end of Second Year and again at the end of Fourth Year.

e) Identify vulnerable pupils and take appropriate action.

f) Develop, implement and assess our Personal Social and Health programme and our Careers Education Programme.

If you have any concerns about your child, you should contact your child’s Pupil Support Teacher. He/she will make arrangements to discuss your concerns and decide, with you, a course of action. There are a number of ways in which concerns can be followed up. This may involve the input of other educational professionals such as Specialist Teachers, Educational Psychologists, Youth Counsellor or Partner Agencies.

PUPIL SUPPORT TEACHERS

Mr P Kelly (Acting) 1E, 1H, 2E, 3E, 4E, 4G, 5E, 6E

Mr F Boyle 1A, 2A, 2H, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A

Mrs A Duffy 1F, 2F, 3F, 3H, 4F, 5F, 6F

Miss K Dickie 1C, 2C, 3C, 3G, 4C, 5C, 6C

Mrs R McKerron 1B, 1G, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B

Mr T McConville 1D, 2D, 2G, 3D, 4D, 5D 5G, 6D

MRS R REA – DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER PUPIL S U P P O R T

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SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

Holy Cross recognises that every child and young person has individual needs, and is committed to ensuring that strategies are in place to meet these n e e d s .

The Support for Learning Department aims to implement the principles set down in the “Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004”. In order to assist each child in achieving his/her fullest potential the SfL Department is involved in the following:

1. Primary Liaison Every associated primary school is visited by a member of the department to gather information on pupils with support needs in literacy, numeracy, and/or particular abilities in order to ensure a smooth transition to secondary.

2. Cooperative Teaching Working collaboratively with subject teachers and pupils in class to help make the curriculum accessible to all pupils.

3. Consultation - Sharing information about pupils’ needs with all staff Discussing pupils’ needs with staff on an individual/or whole-school basis in order to support staff, especially with differentiation of coursework or use of appropriate resources. Also, passing on information and/or advice on strategies to support pupils with specific needs, such as dyslexia, hearing impairments or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

4. Direct Tuition Working either in the classroom or occasionally on an extraction basis to provide tuition for a pupil or group of pupils who have a specific need.

5. Success Maker - an integrated Learning Computer Programme designed to monitor and improve pupils’ spelling, reading and maths skills.

6. Kickstart This small group involves providing targeted support for those young people in S1 who may otherwise find it difficult to make a smooth transition to Secondary.

7. Liaison with Partner Agencies Liaising with agencies such as the Educational Psychologist, Social Work, Hearing/Visual

Impairment Specialists, etc. to address particular needs through the provision of additional materials, advice or personnel.

8. Arranging for selected pupils to be involved in the Independent Link Course at Motherwell College.

9. Regular case conferences with parents/carers to discuss support and progress.

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Other strategies include:

✦ Access to ICT where appropriate

✦ Target Setting for pupils with significant support needs

✦ Paired Learning - the use of S6 volunteers to act as tutors for identified S1-S4 pupils

✦ Implementing Alternative Arrangements for SQA Exams

✦ Appropriate support plans in place (ASP, CSP)

South Lanarkshire Education Resources have published a series of leaflets available which cover information for parents and carers about the Additional Support for Learning Acts. These are available through the school or on the South Lanarkshire Council website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk. The leaflets available are:

• The Additional Support for Learning Act

• Requesting an Assessment

• Planning for Learning – ASP

• Planning for Learning – CSP

• Transitions

• Future Planning

• Information for Parents and Carers about moving on from school.

• Inclusive Education

• ICT Assessment

• Visual Impairment Support

• Early Years Specialist Support

• Independent Adjudication

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

In Holy Cross High School we have an inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each person made in the image of God. As such, as a school we promote a policy of positive behaviour based on relationships of mutual trust and respect between young people, and staff.

At the heart of Holy Cross High School are the promotion of Gospel Values and the formation of the whole person working in close partnership with our parents and the first educators of their children.

Consequently, we are delighted to have a positive ethos in which young people are happy, safe and have every opportunity to develop their God-given talents.


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Enquire is funded by the Scottish Government to provide information on the framework for supporting children who require additional support for learning and to encourage positive partnerships between families, schools and local authorities to ensure children get the right support. Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on additional support for learning through: Phone Helpline: 0845 123 2303 Address: Enquire Children in Scotland Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5EZ Email Enquiry service: [email protected] Advice and information is also available at www.enquire.org.uk Enquire provides a range of clear and easy-to-read guides and fact sheets including the parents’ guide to additional support for learning.


http://www.enquire.org.uk/

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SUPPORT FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE

HOMEWORK DIARIES

We would encourage you to check your child’s homework in the homework diary and sign the

diary on a weekly b a s i s .

These are an excellent way for parents to keep up-to-date on the homework being issued to your child.

All of our young people are issued with a diary which they must bring to school every day and record the homework being issued each period.

HOMEWORK

All learning and progress is improved when young people follow-up work done during the day by additional preparation in their own time.

In Holy Cross High School, homework is an essential element of learning and is encouraged for a number of reasons:

• It provides back-up and reinforcement to work done in class.

• It helps prepare our young people in S1/S2 for the greater demands of the middle and upper school.

• It provides our older students with practice in examination questions and examination technique.

• It helps our young people to develop revision and study skills.

S6 PREFECT SYSTEM

All our young people in Sixth Year have the opportunity to become an Upper School Prefect.

Our Prefects are role-models for the younger members of the school community and, as such, the responsibilities associated with the position are taken seriously. Prefects will volunteer to assist staff particularly with major school events, such as the School Awards Ceremonies.

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S6 BUDDY SYSTEM

Sixth Year students who are selected as buddies, work closely with the Year Heads of S6 and S1. Their role is to ensure that young people in S1 have a contact in the senior school to whom they can approach and speak with if need be.

PAIRED LEARNERS

This excellent initiative is planned and organised through our Support for Learning Department as an effective way of supporting young people in the lower school. Sixth Year students volunteer to take part in the programme and will then be deployed, to great effect, in subject departments across the school. Our Upper School students work with young people in S1 who perhaps are finding some aspects of the coursework difficult to manage.

CAREERS-SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND

Our Careers officer Ms Susan Higgins offers excellent support to all of our young people regarding career pathways, further and higher education advice. Throughout our Personal, Social and Health Education Programmes which run from S1 through to S6, there is also a careers programme which all young people undertake.

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A variety of extra-curricular activities are available to our young people, including supported study for those young people in the senior school, preparing for SQA examinations.

A range of after school and lunchtime clubs are also in offer in Holy Cross High School, for example:

FOOTBALL JUNIOR BAND

NETBALL SOUL BAND ORCHESTRA FILM CLUB FIELD TRIPS CHESS CLUB

DEBATING HOME ECONOMICS ATHLETICS SCHOOL TRIPS RUGBY CHARITY WORK BASKETBALL DRAMA

Senior Netball Team

The Young People and Staff who took part in the Fun Run in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice at Strathclyde Park

S1 pupils building a raft at Lockerbie Manor Learning Canoeing Skills

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OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND LEARNING Holy Cross High School is a Roman Catholic School and Religious Education is taught in all classes from

S1-S6. A highly structured RE programme is taught by a team of teachers, led by the Principal Teacher of

RE.

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

The School Chaplain, Father Patrick Duffy, offers tremendous support and encouragement to the school.

He has particular responsibility for the pastoral and spiritual welfare of our young people and offers

guidance to staff on religious matters.

LITURGY

Mass is celebrated on Tuesday (8.20 am) and on Friday (12.35 pm) in the school oratory. All are welcome to attend.

Feast Day Mass

Moreover, throughout the year, class masses, Advent and Lenten Services and other forms of prayer helps all of us to grow in the understanding of our Faith

PASTORAL TEAM The Holy Cross High School Pastoral Team aims to enhance our school community of faith by coordinating the pastoral activities of all who are involved with our school – young people, parents and staff. The pastoral life of any school is vital for the spiritual development of all who belong to this community.

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CARITAS GROUP

To commemorate the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland, young people in sixth year have the opportunity to take part in the Caritas Award.

This is a certificated award recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Currently, there are over 40 young people taking part in The Caritas Award in Holy Cross High School.

FUNDRAISING

By encouraging our young people to contribute to worthy causes we hope to help them reflect on issues of social justice. In this way they will come to realise that our actions can affect o t h e r s a n d t h a t w e h a v e r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s t o e a c h o t h e r . Whether through fundraising, volunteering or raising awareness, young people can make a difference.

Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events.

Appropriate requests will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee on the register.

Parents who elect to send their children to Holy Cross High School are expected to accept the Catholic tradition and their children should attend all religious instruction and observation as part of our school community.

S1 in Fancy Dress for the Halloween Disco

Presenting a cheque for £2000 to St Andrew’s Hospice

Christmas Food Parcels

Wear it Pink

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RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 imposes a statutory duty on local authorities to provide “Religious Observance” in Scottish schools. This is defined in a national R.O. Review Group report published in 2004 as comprising: "community acts which aim to promote the spiritual development of all members of the school's community and express and celebrate the shared values of the school community".

In a letter of guidance issued by the Scottish Government in February 2011, it is acknowledged that Catholic schools take a distinctive approach to the provision of Religious Observance:

Scottish Government Ministers welcome the tradition that, in Roman Catholic denominational schools, Catholic Liturgy will largely shape the nature and frequency of religious observance activities in the classroom and in the wider school community. So, at times, children and young people will be invited to participate in, and sometimes to lead, prayer and reflection in classrooms and at assemblies. At other times, to honour particular occasions or feasts, chaplains will lead school communities in the celebration of Mass and other forms of liturgical celebration.

Catholic schools follow the customs and practices of the Church in order to nourish the spirituality and faith of pupils and staff. Our Catholic tradition is enriched by ancient rites, prayers and devotions which help young people to become aware of, and show reverence to, the sacred presence of the living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Guided by this tradition, we celebrate various seasons and special feast days to honour God, Mary his Mother and the Saints.

Pupils are invited to pray with their teachers at times in classrooms and assemblies, as well as in liturgical services. Usually a classroom will display a Crucifix on the wall; in some classrooms and other areas of the school, a sacred space will feature a copy of the Bible and will be decorated with signs and symbols that reflect the changing seasons of the Church Calendar Year i.e., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.

This regular practice of Prayer is complemented by religious services conducted, sometimes as part of an Assembly, to mark special occasions – e. g., the distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, the seasons of Advent or Lent. To mark special Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Mass will be celebrated by the school chaplain, with the school community, in school buildings or in local parishes. Some pupils, at certain stages, may be able to participate in retreats and pilgrimages to places of special significance within

the Catholic tradition.

While Religious Education is governed by separate Church guidance, it is complemented by Religious Observance practices and, together, these experiences help pupils to develop their understanding of the Catholic faith, to experience opportunities for spiritual growth and to commit to beliefs, values and actions in a positive response to God’s invitation to faith. In terms of pupil participation in R.O. Scottish Government guidance makes it clear that it makes and important contribution to pupils’ development and that it promotes the ethos of a school by bringing pupils together and creating a sense of community. However, it also makes clear that parents have the right to withdraw children from participation in religious observance and that this right should always be made known to parents and their wishes respected. The Scottish Government also recognises that: Where a parent chooses a denominational school for their child’s education, they choose to opt in to the school’s ethos and practice which is imbued with religious faith and religious observance. In denominational schools, it is therefore more difficult to extricate a pupil from all experiences which are influenced by the school’s faith character.

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OUR INCLUSIVE ETHOS INTEGRATED CHILDRENS’ SERVICES

Education Resources is a key partner in developing an approach which promotes the delivery of better integrated services to children, young people and their families. Our vision for children and young people in South Lanarkshire is to ensure that they live in a community where they feel safe, included, nurtured and respected. They should be part of a society where they have the opportunity to maximise their full potential and have access to good quality health, education and leisure services and to have co-ordinated support for the most vulnerable. Learning communities will strengthen the integration agenda at both strategic and local levels to enable a more collaborative approach in delivering services to all children. A support team for Integrating Children’s Services works across four education areas, and within the Council, enabling all services to children and families to plan and work together, to achieve our vision.

The Head of Education for the area is Carole McKenzie.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Rationale Every young person in Holy Cross High School has the right to learn in a caring supportive and safe environment. Establishing, maintaining and fostering a caring and supportive community are the shared responsibility of all members of our school community – in particular all of our young people and all members of staff. Bullying is contrary to the ethos of Holy Cross High School and will not be tolerated.

A clear working definition of bullying is as follows:

“Persistent intentional behaviour which causes stress to a person emotionally, physically or mentally, where a person is made to feel insecure, threatened or inadequate.”

The Policy

1 Holy Cross High School follows the guidance given by Education Resources, South Lanarkshire Council in the anti-bullying Guidelines of “Treat Me Well”.

2 Our approach to an anti-bullying strategy is to develop and support continually our school ethos which is firmly based on equality of opportunity, mutual respect and co-operation. We strive to develop and maintain a climate which promotes positive behaviour, and inclusion at all times.

3 By taking every report seriously, we recognise the persuasive nature of bullying and the damage it causes. We monitor and record bullying incidents.

4 Our school acknowledges the problem of bullying and takes a pro-active approach in dealing with it, referring to it openly at strategic opportunities such as during Personal and Social Education programmes, assemblies, parents’ evenings and newsletter

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

The shared vision for Lanarkshire’s children is: “all children and young people in Lanarkshire have the right to be cared for and protected from abuse and harm in a safe environment in which their rights are respected.” All agencies will work together in a collaborative way to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Lanarkshire.

The Chief Officers and Child Protection Committees of North and South Lanarkshire Councils are the driving force for ensuring that agencies individually and collectively work to protect children and young people as effectively as possible. The Council has a duty in law to report suspicions that a child has been abused or is at risk of harm, in terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. Therefore, Council staff have a professional and contractual obligation to report concerns to the head of establishment or the child protection coordinator immediately. Education Resources staff and visitors from other agencies and services are required to follow these Child Protection Procedures to protect and support children and to fulfil their professional obligations to report all allegations or suspicions of child abuse. For more information, or if you have a concern of a child protection nature, please contact the head of the educational establishment which your child attends. The Council has produced an information leaflet – ‘stay safe’ for parents/carers on how to help ensure their child is safe when using the internet and mobile devices. Copies are available from the school or the web: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk

KEEPING SAFE ONLINE

The Council has produced an information leaflet – ‘stay safe’ for parents/carers on how to help ensure their child is safe when using the internet and mobile devices. Copies are available from the school or the web: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk



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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Our principal aim is to ensure that no pupil is disadvantaged in any aspect of school life and there is equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, colour, ethnic background or disabilities.

Pupil Support Staff will monitor choice of subjects at the end of S2 and at other appropriate stages to detect the influence of sex stereotyping as a f a c t o r .

We regularly review our Social Education and Careers Education programmes to ensure that they

promote equality of opportunity in the issues they discuss.

Schools take seriously any reports of racist incidents. As part of the school’s approach to promoting positive discipline a record of all racist incidents is maintained and each incident fully investigated.

Schools are required to notify the local authority of any racist incident.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Schools and education establishments have a legislative duty to undertake an assessment of equality and diversity. This is the process of systematically assessing and consulting on the effects that a policy, process or strategy is likely to have on different groups in the community who might experience disadvantage/ barriers in accessing services.

The process includes monitoring the actual effects of the policy once it is put into practice. Policies do not affect everyone in the same way. By assessing in the early stages, any adverse impact can be identified and minimised. We have undertaken the following impact Assessments – racism, race, equality and disability awareness. Copies of these can be obtained on request form the head of establishment.

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ATTENDANCE

It is important for the school to work with parents in encouraging all children to attend school. All absences from school are required by law to be recorded. Absences will normally fall under two categories - authorised or unauthorised absence. In cases where your child is unable to attend school parents are asked to:-

• Inform the school by letter or telephone, if your child is likely to be absent and to give your child a note on his/her return to school, telling of the reason for absence;

• Notify the school first thing in the morning when your child is going to be absent. Let the school know the likely date of return and keep them informed if the date changes;

• Inform the school of any changes to the following:-

- home telephone number

- mobile number

- emergency contact details

• Requests for your child to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives must be made in writing to the head teacher, detailing the reason, destination and duration of absence and arrangements for their continuing education. On these occasions the pupil will be marked as an authorised absentee in the register.

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OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Curriculum for Excellence is the name given to the curriculum in Scotland for all children and young people aged 3-18. It is a forward looking, coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum that provides young people with the knowledge, skills and attributes they will need to flourish in life, learning and work, now and in the future. The curriculum includes all of the experiences that are planned for children and young people to support the development of their skills, wherever they are being educated, for example in the family and community, pre-school centre, nursery and school. This broad, general education will allow them to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to life in the 21st century. In taking this forward our school will work closely with South Lanarkshire Education Resources and other services to enrich the curriculum, to provide the best possible education for all children and young people. We wish you to feel confident that your child is encouraged and supported to develop their literacy, numeracy and other skills whilst they attend our school. The curriculum areas are as follows:

Expressive arts

Languages and literacy

Health and wellbeing

Mathematics and numeracy

Religious and moral education

Science

Social studies

Technologies If you want to know more about Curriculum for Excellence, please visit these websites: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/ or www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk. Our learning and teaching activities are based on the outcomes and experiences in the guidelines that all schools have for Curriculum for Excellence. Level Stage Early The pre-school years and Primary 1 or later for some. First To the end of Primary 4, but earlier or later for some. Second To the end of Primary 7, but earlier or later for some. Third Secondary 1 to Secondary 3, but earlier for some the fourth level broadly

equates to SCQF level 4. Senior Phase Secondary 4-6 and college or other means of study.

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/thecurriculum/

http://www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk/

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SCHOOL COURSES

Please note that the course options mentioned below are only those currently available and that,

should rolls fall, the same range may not be available when a first year person reaches S3 and S5.

First and Second Year Courses

All young people in our first and second year take the following common cou r s e :

• English • Physical Education • Business Education

• Mathematics • Home Economics • Computing

• Science • French/Spanish • Technical

• Religious Education

• Drama • Personal and Social

• Art & Design • Music Development

Third and Fourth Year Courses

At the end of second year we have a programme for Pupil Support to assist pupils and Parents/Carers

regarding course choices for third and fourth year. This programme seeks to advise pupils about:

• The range of courses available;

• The pupil’s own aptitudes, interests, strengths and weaknesses;

• The importance of individual subjects;

• Entrance qualifications, career opportunities, and;

• The factors to be borne in mind when deciding on a course of study. In counseling young people about their choice of courses we adhere closely to the National

Guidelines and ensure that each young person makes a selection of courses which best suits their needs and allows for progression.

Our young people receive tremendous support in particular from our Pupil Support Team, subject staff and careers officer when making decisions about future course choice. Great care is taken to ensure each young person’s curriculum takes into account their ability, skills and future career aspirations; as well as progression, balance and flexibility.

Fifth and Sixth Year Courses

This is a very important stage in the education of our young people as they are now focusing more directly on career pathways beyond school. Students and Parents/Carers are kept fully informed of the range of options available – a Parent/ Carers Information Evening is held each year and both an Options Handbook and Guidelines for S5/6 are made available to upper school pupils and their Parents/ Carers for use in preparing for the next step.

Preliminarily discussions regarding options are held with S4/S5 early in the New Year so that subject choices can be planned appropriately. The Pastoral Care Team holds interviews with each pupil in May in order to support them as they make their choices. Heads of Department are also available to discuss choices with pupils. At this stage S5/S6 pupils are also increasingly expected to take responsibility for their own learning by planning and organising study time.

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HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL SQA EXAMINATION

RESULTS INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

2013/2014

5+ @ level 3 or better 5+ @ level 4 or better 5+ @ level 5 or better

By end ofS4 89 82 43


By end of S5 60 37 19

1+ @ level 6 or better 3+ @ level 6 or better 1+ 7 @ level or better

By end of S6 54 25 17

2014/2015




By end of S5 63 38 19


By end of S6 56 28 26

2015/2016




By end of S5 65 45 25


By end of S6 55 26 18

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IMPORTANT ADDRESSES FOR OUR PARENTS/ CARERS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

TONY MCDAID Lynn Adams

EDUCATION RESOURCES Davie McLachlan

COUNCIL OFFICES Stephanie Callaghan

HAMILTON ML3 0AE HEAD OF LEARNING COMMUNITY

Stewart Nicholson Head of Education (Area) Council Offices Almada Street Hamilton ML3 OAE

Quality Improvement Officer

Ann O’Neill

Council Offices Almada Street

Hamilton ML3 OAE Telephone 01698 454204

Area Community Education Officer

Hamilton Area Office

21 Beckford Street Hamilton

Education Resources Helpline

Telephone 03031231015 Or [email protected]


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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR PARENTS/CARERS

FROM OUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

FOREWORD FROM SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL

Holy Cross is one of 17 secondary schools throughout South Lanarkshire Council. The school is

part of the Holy Cross Learning C o m m u n i t y .

South Lanarkshire Council is the fifth largest authority in Scotland. It covers the following main areas; Clydesdale in the south which features extensive rural areas, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Blantyre and Uddingston to the north as well as the towns of East Kilbride and Hamilton.

The Council’s Plan Connect sets out the Council’s Vision to improve the quality of life for all within South Lanarkshire.

For Education Resources this means delivering services of the highest quality as well as striving to narrow the gap. It is about continually improving the services for everyone at the same time as giving priority to children, young people, families and communities in most need. The Education Resources Plan further builds on commitment to improve the experience for children, young people and adults as they participate in learning or make use of the wide range of services within Education.

The context for service delivery in Education Resources takes account of major national and local developments. These include a commitment to implement all aspects of the national programme, Curriculum for Excellence (CfE); a commitment to work in partnership with colleagues to meet the challenges of ‘Getting it Right for Every Child; and an awareness of the need to seek continuous improvement as we embark on a Journey to Excellence. Locally, the community plan, Stronger Together, and the ambitious outcomes for children within Education Resources’ framework of core policies help to inform the Resources Plan. The aims of South Lanarkshire Council, Education Resources are shown on page 40 of the handbook.

It is hoped that with your support and the support of other parents that the school can work together in creating an environment where children can be successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

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Education Services SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL AIMS TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF

EDUCATION BY:

✦ Providing a stimulating curriculum to meet the needs of learners

✦ Promoting partnership with pupils, parents, staff and the wider

community

✦ Assuring the quality of education within establishments

✦ Encouraging learners to achieve their maximum potential

✦ Ensuring equality of opportunity

✦ Establishing opportunities for staff development

✦ Encouraging effective teaching and learning

✦ Providing safe and appropriate premises

✦ Promoting access to education as a lifelong process

✦ Maximizing the use of resources

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE The Medical examination of children is undertaken during each child’s school life, normally in the first year of primary school, and then at ages 10/1 1 and 13/14 by staff of the Lanarkshire Health Board. Parents may refer their child at other times to the Clinical Medical Officer for examination or advice. Dental inspections are also carried out on a routine basis in primary schools, and parents are offered any necessary treatment for their children, although they may choose to go to the family dentist; secondary school pupils receive examination and treatment at the local community dental clinic on request.

During school hours we have a first-aider who attends to children who take ill or have an accident in school. If a child requires further medical attention, the parents will be informed and arrangements made for the child to be taken home or to hospital.

For this reason it is essential that we have the name and telephone number of an emergency contact. Children who are obviously ill before leaving for school should be kept at home and not sent to school. Parents should inform the school of any particular medical requirements and arrangements to be made if the child has to be taken home.

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INSURANCE FOR SCHOOLS -

PUPILS’ PERSONAL EFFECTS

South Lanarkshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received for loss or damage to pupils’ clothing or personal effects. Parents are asked to note the Council’s position in terms of insurance for pupils’ personal effects:

(1) THEFT/LOSS OF PERSONAL EFFECTS The Council is not liable for the loss or theft of pupils’ clothing or personal effects for example mobile phones, tablets etc. and any items are therefore brought into the school at the pupil/parents’ own risk. Parents can assist by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school. Teachers and other staff have been advised not to accept custody of any such items. The same principle applies to musical instruments and other equipment used for activities within the school, which belong to the pupil, but are brought into the school. Parents should be aware that if such equipment is left in school, it is done at the pupil/parents’ own risk. In the case of valuable items such as musical instruments, parents should ensure that these items are covered by their own household insurance.

(2) DAMAGE TO CLOTHING

The Council is only liable for damage caused to pupils’ clothing where the damage has resulted from the negligence of the Council or one of its employees. Claims arising otherwise will not be accepted by the Council’s insurers.

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INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES

We make every effort to ensure the school remains open during term-time for pupils. However, on occasions circumstances may arise which can affect the school. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, and power failures or through any other circumstances that may impact on the school day. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know if this happens. We shall keep you in touch by telephone, text, where appropriate, letters, web news and through local radio stations particularly if there are prolonged periods of severe weather. The Council’s website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk will be used to let you know if the school is closed and when it will re-open. It is important for parents/carers to let the school know of any change to your mobile/home telephone number and change of address. If for any reason, you are unsure if the school is open visit the website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk or email us at: [email protected] Your commitments We ask that you:

Support and encourage your child’s learning

Respect and adhere to the schools policies and guidance

Let the school know if you change your mobile/telephone number and/or address

Enjoy and take part in school activities

Accept your responsibility to respect staff who work in the school and for the school to be proactive in taking forward its commitment to care for and educate your child.

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998

Information on pupils, parents and guardians is held by the school to enable the teaching, registration and assessment of pupils as well as associated administrative duties. The information is stored and used as per the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 with South Lanarkshire Council defined as the Data Controller. The Council has established a Data Protection policy that applies to all of its schools. For more information please contact the school.




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TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA

ABOUT PUPILS

Education authorities and the Scottish Government collect data about pupils. We now work together with schools to transfer data electronically through the ScotXed programme. The Scottish Government acts as a ‘hub’ for supporting data exchange within the education system in Scotland and for the analysis of data for statistical purposes within Scottish Government itself.

Why do we need your data?

In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Skills Development Scotland need accurate, up-to date data about our pupils. We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examination results. Accurate and up-to- date data allows us to:

• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils,

• Plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils,

• Better understand some of the factors which influence pupil attainment and achievement,

• Share good practice,

• Target resources better.

Data policy

The ScotXed programme aims to support schools and Local Authorities by supporting the collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information required for planning, management and monitoring of Scottish education services.

A subset of this information is passed to Scottish Government for research and national statistics publications. Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published by Scottish Government.

The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only. We hope that the explanations contained on the ScotXed website will help you understand the importance of providing the information.

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Your data protection rights

The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance

with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data.

This message can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net). The Scottish Government works with a range of partners including Education Scotland and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also

academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfill their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that the data and information will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with colleagues within and

outwith Scottish Government.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior

Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at [email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ.

Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print.

Want more information?

Further details about ScotXed are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed. net,

which contains a section on ‘frequently asked questions’ at https://www. scotxed.net/jahia/Jahia/lang/en/pid/220


http://www/

Holy Cross High School

51 New Park Street

Hamilton

ML3 OBN

Tel: 01698 543450 Fax: 01698 543451

holy cross high school · holy cross high school is a successful, popular and inclusive school. we...

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